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n 


D 


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Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
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dernidre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
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method: 


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et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'images  ndcessaire.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
illustrent  la  mdthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

e^  uJcfre£ 


M 


> 


y 


MEMO  I  lis, 


LKTTKKS   AKJ)   JOURXALS, 


MAJOR   GENERAL   RTEDESEL, 


UIINM;    Ills 


RESIDENCE    IN   AMERICA. 


TltANSl.ATKI) 


FKO.M  THKOKlUINAr.  ClKKMAN  of  MAX   \uS  KKUilSu. 


WILLIAM    L.    STONE, 

AfTHOR    OF    THE    I.II'r;    ANB    TIMES    OF    SIR   WILLIAM    JOHNSON,    BART. 
LIFE    VSIl   WRITINGS   OF  COL.    WILLIAM   L.   STONE,    ETC.,    ETC. 


VOL.    I 


r* 


ALBA  N  V: 

•1.  .\ir.NSEr.L,  H->  S'l'A'I'K  S'l'ltl':!']'!'. 

1  .'^(iM, 


K  6" 


Entered  accordins  to  Aet  of  C'onsrefs  in  the  year  ]S(iS, 

I!y  J.  MlNSiEI.I,, 

In  (lie  rieik's  Otlice  of  the  Distrkt  Court  of  the  rniled  States, 
for  the  Northern  Dii^trict  of  New  York. 


TO 


MV    FRIENDS 


RICHARD  L.  ALLEN  AND  WILLIAM  HAY 


SARATOCiA  SI'UINUS,  N.  Y., 

WHO     HAVE     SO     KINDLY     AIDED     ME     IN     MY 
HISTORICAL     INVESTIGATIONS, 

STljcst  1/olumrs 

ARB 


AFFKCTIONATKI.V  IXSCItllilv 


> 


^ 


f 


t 


P  R  K  F  A  C  E. 


1  ' 


^ 


The  litb  of  Goiieral  Uiodesel,'  (liii-ing  his  rosidoiieo 
in  Anierica,  is  a  more  complete  and  uceiirate  liistory 
of  tlie   Campaign   op   Genkral  BuiuioyNK  than  any 
that  lias  yet  appeared.     The  statements  of  our  ablest 
histoi-ians  concerning  the  movements  of  the  British  in 
tliat    campaign   are,    necessarily    perhaps,   extremely 
vague;  while  those  of  our  pictorial  and  school   histo- 
ries, respecting  both  the  British  and  the  Americans, 
are  full  of  gross  errors.     The  present  work,  however, 
is  based  on  tlie  private  and  official  journals  of  Kiedescl 
and  his  officers,  and   presents   the  campaign  with  a 
minuteness  of  detail,  which  must,  hereafter,  make   it 
a  sta.idard  authority  upon  the  subject  of  wliich  it  treats. 
After  I  had  translated  the  work,  and  before  placin-r 
It  in  the  hands  of  the  printer,  I  spent  several  days  in 
going  over  the  battle- grounds.     With  Riedesel's  jour- 
nals in  one  hand,  and  the  mai>s— drawn  on   the  spot 
by  Burgoyne's  chief  engineer— in  the  other,  I  be^nm 

'  Thifi  namo  lias  Ih^cii  univiTsiilly  iiiisprDni.uiuM'd  in  this  country  It 
i«  con.,,„s,.d  „f  two  Gc.rnuu,  words,  rird  and  M,  and  is  pronountrd 
Itc-ilan-zil .  witli  the  acci^nt  on  tlic  sirond  syllalMc. 


VI 


I'll  UFA  CK. 


my  invc8tl/,mti.>ns  at  the  place  wliero  the  British  army 
crossed  the  Hudsoi),  and  traced  every  step  of  its  move- 
nients  down  the  river  to  the  scene  of  the  hist  l^attle  of 
Octoher  7th,  1777,  an<l  hack  a-ain  to  the  site  of  the 
Hiirrender.  In  the  course  of  this  tour  two  important 
facts  were  elicited  : 

1st.  Tliat  the  tace  of  the  country  lias  undergone 
scarcely  any  change.  The  same  trees,  the  same  brooks, 
and  even  the  same  stones  remain  in  the  precise  locali- 
ties where  they  were  sketched  by  the  British. 

2d.  That  the  term  Battle  of  Bmis's  Heights,  which 
has   liitherto   obtained    when    designating   the   scene 
of  the  action,   is  entirely  erroneous,  and  only  calcu- 
lated seriously  to  mislead.     The  first  action,   on  the 
19th  of  Septendjcr,  was,  as  is  well  known,  fou-ht  on 
Freeman's  farm.     But,  with  a  \■i^^v  exceptions,^t  has 
always  been  supposed   by  the  best  infoi-med  writers 
upon  the  subject,  that  the  second  battle  on  the  7th  of 
October,  was  fought  on  Bcmis's  heights.     The  maps, 
however,  show,  that  the  action  began  on  ground  about 
two  hun(h-cd  rods  southwest  of  the  site  of  the  first 
Battle  of  Freeman's   Farm,   and  ended   on   the  same 
gi-ouiid  on  which  the  first  action  was  fought.     Thus 
Bemls's  heights  are  fully  one  mile  and  a  half  south  of 
the  battle  ground.     In  fact  all  the  interest  which  at- 
taches to  tliese   heights,  is,  that  they  were  the  head- 
quarters of  General  Gates  during  and  a  short  time 


r 


f  ^ 


ill 


w. 


I 


/•/■■/•■/■■.irA' 


VII 


l-rovioiis  („  the  battle.  Tlie  ..ri.irin  oC  tl.is  mistake,  as 
the  maps  elearly  demonstrate,  was  in  tlie  l)elier  tliat 
the  army  of  |]iiri,-oyiio  be<;aii  the  advaiiee  in  two 
coh.mns  from  Taylors  house,  the  ruins  of  whieh  are 
yet  standin.L-'  a  few  rods  nortli  of  Wilbur's  basin.  It 
is  now,  however,  aseortained  tliat  the  advance  began 
in  three  columns  from  Sword's  house,  the  site  of 
which  is  about  one  mile  and  a  lialf  nortli  of  the 
Taylor  house. 

As  the  historical  student  will  readily  believe,  \ 
found  local  tradition,  as  a  general  thing,  entirely  un- 
reliable. By  the  aid,  however,  of  the  journals  and  the 
maps  I  think  I  succeeded  in  all  I  set  out  to  accomplish, 
viz:  to  verity  tradition  when  possible -^  to  overthrow 
it  when  necessary  ;  but  in  every  case  to  put  the  matter 
beyond  the  peradventnre  of  a  doubt.  The  results  of 
my  investigations  in  detail  will  be  found  in  the  notes 
to  the  present  translation. 

This  work  also  contains  valuable  information  in 
regard  to  the  movements  of  the  Brunswick  troops, 
while  residents  of  America,  and  atfords  a  clear  view 
of  the  condition  and  internal  relations  of  Canada  dur- 
ing the  latter  part  of  the  revolutionary  war  —  points 
which  have,  hitherto,  been  involved  in  obscurity. 

My  thanks  are  due  to  Henry  A.  Fisher,  Escj.,  of  New 
York  city,  for  valuable  aid  in  the  translation  of  these 
volumes;    to   George   Washington    Greene   of   East 


VIII 


ri;i:h\\(h: 


Oroeiiwicli,  R.  I.,  |„,-  ,.(,|,ioH  of  (Jom-ral  Ki*Mlosi.rH 
K'ltiis  to  (k'lUTiil  Ni'.tliaiiicl  (Jreone;  uiul  to  lliu  late 
Thuodoio  J)wi^rlit  of  Hrooklyn,  for  iiiti«iostiii,ir  docii- 
iiii'iits  ri'latin.i,''  to  tlio  ciiga^-cniont  iioiir  Mfiiiiiiio'ton.' 

]f  this  tmiislution  hIuiII  aswHt  in  corrocting  the  orrois 
that  liavo  liitliorto  ohtaiiifd  in  relation  to  an  i-vcnt 
wliic'li,  in  its  results,  was  the  most  important  of  any  in 
our  revolutionary  annals,  the  ohjoct  of  it  will  have 
hcen  acconiplishc'd. 

William  L.  Stone. 


V 


ISamtofia  Sprivr/s,  Jannnry  1st,  1808. 


'Tll.w    (l.iciinK'litH  will    l„.  C.mml    h,    tlir  niipriKlicr: 


1 1 


^1 


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3 


n 


8KKTCII  OF  MA.).  GKN.  KIEDKSKL. 


Tlu.   baronial  family  ,•('  Hioihwl  is  ,„iu  ..f  tiie  richtvi    ,t,d 
oldest  in  t|„.  inhTiur  of  (Icnnany.     Tla,  first  mention  of  u   jh 
in  tlu.  year  122(!.  alH..,u-h  previon«  to  thin  period  a  (  onrad 
Von  IJifdcsel   i.srcferrLMl  to  as  Inivinf:  lived   in  the     .    ond  lulf 
"f  the  12th  centnry.     Of  three  lin,..s  into  which  the  tan.ily  wvre 
ori..-.M)|,    divided,  two  soon  became  extinet,  leaving  only  tho 
third  one,  the  Melsnn-er.  the  direet  ancestor  of  the. subjiri  of  iho 
present  sketch.      My  a  fortn.iate  niarria-e.  the  family  rapidly 
advanced  in  wealth  and  position.     A  Hornmr.  Hie.le.sel.  marry- 
ing the  only  surviving  heiress  of  tho  Hessian  Marshal  Kekart 
Van  K.,hrenfurth,  obtained  l.y  this  nnion  the  rich  po.sse.ssions  and 
the  hereditary  office  .,f  land  marshal -that  prince  generonsly 
resigning  his  right  of  confiscating  the  fief,  which  had  become 
vacant  by  the  extincth.n  of  the  male  line.     Ki,senbach  was  the 
ino.st  important  of  tho  Rohrenfnrth  pos.scssions ;  and  from  this 
time  the  lords  of  Jiiede.sel  retained  the  title  of  hereditary  mar- 
shals, and  signed  themselves  Heidesel-Kisenbach.    ]iy  n.arria-a.s 
purchase  and  other  fortunate  circumstances,  the  Uiede.sel  fainily 

have  accumulated  such  a  large  landed  estat.-,  that  it  ( ipri.ses 

at  the  present  time  an  area  .,f  .seven  and  a  half  s.juare  miles 
inhabited  by  upward  of  twenty  thousand  people.  These  pos 
sessions  lie  principally  in  both  the  Hessias  and  on  the  Voxels 
berg,  and  are  entitled  to  all  the  privileges  of  a  sovereignty 
without  the  lords  of  Kiede.s,.|  being  .sovereigns.  In  the  year 
IbHO  the  Riedcsel  estate  was  constituted  an  independent  pro- 
vince, and  the  Kicdcsels,  themselves,  made  barons  of  the  empire. 


MA.Iiill  i.ESF.llM  lUEDEsl-'J, 


FriciliTicli  .\ilol|iliiis  iiicilrscl.  llic  siilijcct  of  tliis  skctcli. 
was  Iponi  nil  tlic  .'!(1  III'  .June,  I7:iS.  in  the  nncrstnil  castle  at 
liaiiti-rliai-li.  in  liliiiiclicssc.  His  i'atlu'r.  .Inliii  William,  was 
at  that  tiiiii'  UDVcriiiiiuiit  asscssnr  and  jiaj;o  to  tlii"  iiriiici'  of 
Kiscnacli.  Ilis  ninthcr.  S()|)liio  llcdwiu-.  was  the  ilauulitcr  of 
IJanjM  \'an  IJoikc.  a  I'nissian  liciiti'iiaiit  general  ami  uuvcrnnr 
(if  Htotlin. 

or  Ihr  carK-  yniitli  nl'  Iticilcs,.].  vcfv  little  is  known  with 
certainty,  cxci'iit  that  his  father  sent  him.  with  his  vnunficr 
hnithei'.  til  a  eleiiivman  in  Frischlicirn  (a  villaiio  near  l/aiitcr- 
liaili)  til  he  edncated.  This  was  dune  with  a  view  of  uivinj:,' 
him  snch  literary  knowledge  as  slmuld  iirepare  him  fur  tlie 
priifessiiin  (if  the  law.  ti>  which  In^  was  destined  by  liis  father. 
Acciirdin,nly.  at  the  ai:-e  nf  lifteen.  he  U'ft  the  (jiiiet  |iai'S(ina,uc 
to  attend  a  law  school  at  .Mailuii^;.  There  hapiiened  to  he 
at  this  time  a  Hessian  hattalion  oi'  infantry  in  jiarrison  at 
.■Marhiirii'.  which,  like  all  the  troops  ol'  the  landurave.  was 
particularly  (listin>;,■lli^<lled  for  its  splendid  martial  appearance 
and  drill.  The  sight  of  these  troops  was  an  entirely  new 
experience  to  the  youth,  who.  with  his  natural  activity  and 
lively  disposition,  soon  conceived  a  stroni:'  passion  for  a  militarv 
lilc;  and.  as  a  natural  conseijui'nce.  he  was  ol'tiMier  seen  ou  the 
parade  ui-ound  as  a  s]iectator.  than  at  the  law  school  as  a  listener 
to  the  lectures.  \or.  indeed,  was  it  a  ureat  while  before  he 
entirely  threw  aside  the  uown  and  wii:'  for  the  sword  and 
musket  and  joined  the  rej:inient.  lie  was  led  into  this  step  both 
by  his  own  inclination  and  tlu;  persuasion^  of  the  wilv  major  in 
command  of  the  battalion,  who  represented  that  he  had  written 
to  his  father  and  obtained  his  consent.  'I'lie  deceit,  however,  wa^ 
fioon  discovered,  and  his  i'ather.  in  his  tir.-^t  ebidlition  of  an^cr. 
wi'ote  him  a  letter  concludinu'  as  follows:  ••Since  vou.  as  a 
niibleman.  have  taken  the  oath,  you  must  stand  by  it.  but  you 
must  ji'ct  aloui!-  the  best  you  can.  for  you  need  not  look  for  I'urther 
aid  from  me."  IJut  the  father  could  not  long  remain  estranged 
from  the  son.  and  he  aceordinglv  soon  became  reconciled,  allow- 


Ki 


/.V  THE  .[HEinc.W  IIEVOIJTIOX. 


u\\:  liim  a  CTitiiiii  snui  witli  wliidi  lu,  was  oiiahlcil  to  iii.ct  lii.s 
iieei'SSiiry  expensi's. 

Tlif  njiiiiiciit  iif  whicli  Iticdcscl  was  now  a  vice  I'lisiizii  wns 
soon  after  rwciviMl  into  tlic  Kii>ilisli  fstaljlisliiiieiit  and  liillotcd 
on  a  town  in  the  vicinity  of  London. 

Knsi-ii  Iiii'dosid  liad  hroiidit  willi  liini  letters  of  introduction 
to  several  Knuiisli  families  of  wealtli  and  iiosition;  lint  as  ho 
knew  .neither  Kimlish  nor  Freneh.  they  were  at  first  of  little 
use.  Me  therefore  stndied  tlnvKiiulisli  and  l''reneh  iiraininars 
in  his  leisure  hours,  and  a|i|ilied  himself  so  diliucntlv  that  in 
a  comjiaratively  short  ti:Me  he  could  e.\].re.ss  himself  tolcrahly 
well  in  either  ton-ne.  althou.-h  he  iievtvr  hecame  as  jiroficient 
in  the  Kn-li.sh  as  the  French.  IFe  soon  -ained  the  frien.lship 
of  several  of  the  Fn-lish  officers  who  were  irresistihiy  attracted 
to  him  hy  his  winnin-'  manners  and  thi'  natural  frankness  of 
hi.s  disposition.  Many  of  the  frien.lsliips  tlius  formed  were 
renewed  a-ain  durinj;  the  American  revolution  and  continued 
throuiih  life. 

rpon  the  hrc^-ikinu'  (uit  of  the  .seven  years'  war  in  IT.'d;.  his 
regiment  was  recalled  to  ( Jerniany.  where  he  was  attached  in 
the  capacity  of  general  aid  to  the  ]ier.s,uial  staff  of  l»nko 
Ferdin.ind  of  jJrunswick.  The  tact,  jnd-nu'nt  and  hraverv  of 
the  y.Minji-  en.si-n  — at  this  tinu.  (,nly  nineteen  — in  a  short 
time  procured  for  him  the  entire  contidence  of  the  duke,  who 
often  honored  him  with  imjiortant  connni.ssions.  one  of  which 
>vas  on   the  occasion  of  the   li.-ittlf  n[  .Minden    in    17.")!).      That 

action  was  se-cro  and   hi ly.      I'Vrdinaiid   fou-ht  it  with    iorty 

thou.saml  men  a.iiain.st  ei-hty-tive  thousand  Fren.hnien.  and 
.uaineil  the  victory.  Duriiii:  the  pm-re.ss  of  the  hattle.  the 
aids  and  orderlies  were  coutinnally  flyin-  from  one  pai't  of  the 
held  to  another,  hearin-  the  oral  orders  of  the  duke,  who  ii,  the 
tumult  of  hattle  had  no  time  to  put  them  on  pajier.  This  was 
a  service  of  ureat  persomd  dandier.  re(|uirin,i:  much  cunninu  and 
eouraj-t!.  Uiedesel.  however,  acpiilted  him.^elf  so  well  that  the 
'1"'^"'  ' '■'■'!  ''ii'i   ill   .-I   particular  manner  In  sendin-   him   as 


MAJOR  GENERAL  RIEDESEL 


Hpcciul  uiossenger  with  the  news  of  the  victory  to  his  sovereign, 
the  landgrave  of  Ilexsia.  Inasmuch  as  only  officers  of  age  and 
long  experience  were  generally  sent  on  such  missions,  Keidesel 
had  reason  to  he  very  much  gratified  at  this  preference.  But 
the  duke,  as  the  result  proved,  had  another  object  in  selecting 
him  for  this  errand.  The  latter,  after  formally  announcing  the 
result  of  the  battle,  had  added  a  few  lines  in  which  he  informed 
the  landgrave  of  the  excellent  conduct  of  his  aid,  and  requested 
him  to  give  him  a  recognition  of  his  services.  This  the  land- 
grave promptly  did,  by  promoting  the  young  ensign  to  a 
captaincy  of  cavalry,  aud  giving  him,  at  the  same  time,  a 
sfjuadron  in  one  of  his  new  regiments  of  hussars,  at  that  time 
in  the  allied  army.'  Kiedesel,  however,  never  led  his  squadron  ; 
for  the  duke,  who  was  evidently  attached  to  him,  soon  after 
placed  him  again  upon  Iii:i  personal  staff,  giving  him  unlimited 
confidence,  asking  his  advice  on  the  most  important  affairs, 
and  not  unfrequently  admitting  him  to  councils  of  war. 

In  fact,  the  duties  of  Kiedosel  at  this  time  were  rather  of  a 
peculiar  nature.  The  duke  having  under  him  troops  from 
different  nationalities  found  it  difficult  at  first  to  judge  of  the 
abilities  of  their  officers,  who,  although  old  veterans,  were  not 
accustomed  to  the  military  tactics  of  the  commander  in  chief, 
and  frequently  blundered  terribly  in  their  manoeuvres.  In 
order,  however,  that  he  might  not  give  offense,  he  hit  upon 
the  expedient  of  sending,  during  or  just  before  a  battle,  one  of 
his  adjutants  with  written  or  (u-al  instructions  to  those  officers, 
in  whom  he  had  not  the  greatest  confidence.  In  these  orders 
it  was  generally  stated  that  the  bearer  would  direct  the  colonel 
or  general,  as  the  case  might  be,  in  accordance  with  the  wishes 


'  The  Hec^iau  Uc^'iment  of  HIiio  Hiissiirs,  to  wliifh  RicddscI  was  ai^siKiiod,  was 
one  of  the  hest  and  iiio«t  llncly  accoutred  of  any  of  that  day.  Their  jackets  and 
dolimans  were  sky-ldiic  and  white,  and  tlio  trousers  red.  The  uniforms  of  tlie 
officers  were  richly  decorated  with  silver- tlie  liats  l)einK  blue  with  a  hunch  of 
heron  feathers.  Hussars  were  at  tliis  period  something  <iuite  new  ;  and  the  land- 
grave, wlio  took  an  especial  pride  in  his  troops,  spared  neitiicr  money  nor  pains 
upon  their  oqui|)mciit. 


J-^'  TIIK  AMBlilCAN  IlEVOU-TIOX.  e 

of  the  duko.     Hiedcsol  was  tlie  one  usuiilly  .selectcl  tor  tliis 
duty  as  ho  seeu.ed  to  possess  the  faculty  of  carrying  out  his 
instructions  so  as  to  satisfy  the  duke  o„  the  one  hand,  and  not 
ottend    the   different    commanders   on    the   other.      On    tliese 
occa.s.ons  he  at  first  carried  with  him  a  letter  from  the  duko  in 
which,  with  consummate  tact,  it  was  stated  that  the  adjutant 
beinjr.  perhaps,  more  familiar  with  the  country  than  thomsolves' 
would  suggest  the  details  of  the  movement.     In  course  of  time' 
however,  the  officers  became  so  accustomed  to  this  plan  and 
learned  to  place  such  reliance  upon  the  young  adjutant,  that 
they  no  longer  required   this  letter  of  authority.     The  well 
known  fact,  also,  that  Riodesol  never  abused  his  power  .^ained 
hun  the  confidence  of  the  officers;  and  he  was  soon  universally 
bel..yed  by  the  whole  army,  notwithstanding  he  never  allowed 
anything  contrary  to  the  rules  of  the  service,  but  invariably 
reported  any  dereliction  of  duty  to  head  quarters.      Bcino-  also 
often  sent  on  reconnois.sances  into  the  .surrounding  count'^-v  and 
having  an  excellent  memory,  no  one  in  the  army  was  so  well 
acquainted  with  the  roads,  rivers,  forests  and  pa.sses  as  himself 
Ills  services  in  this  line  were  invaluable  to  his  commandii..^" 
officer;  for  by  his  personal  reconnoissances  and  his  well  ordered 
system  of  spies,  he  became   thoroughly  ac.,uainted   with    the 
character  and  habits  of  the  enemy's  leaders  and  the  streiL^th  of 
the.r  divisions.  >     He  made  it  a  point  to  have  good  spies,  payin. 
them  for  the.r  services  extraordinary  prices  ;  but  such  was  the 
confidence  reposed  in  him  by  his  duke,  that  the  latter  gave  him 
inthis  particular  full  power,  and  hom.red  all  his  bills  without 
hesitation.     In   fine,   to  sum    up,    he    possessed    the    peculiar 
faculty  or  gitt,  as  the  German  expresses  it,  „/'  ;;„dl,„,  hhn.rif 
rujht ;  or  as  we  would  term  it,  of  being  a  mm-s^M  offjrn- 

In  1701.  the  landgrave  of  Flessia  having  overlooked  Riedesel 
".   bis   promotions,    the    latter  resigned    his   commission.     1„ 


.n«„  P,„-,oyno  avail..,  „in„elf  „f  ni..,l.....rK  ..xp..n.M,c«  in  ,„is  ,„„.,lc„la,- and 


...ton.,  .0  hi.  aavice,  „ie  Ci.a.er  a,  .3.n.in«,.,n  .^.a  ::.:Z:  Z 


iirri'd. 


^iiim 


6 


.VAJOIt  fiKXiat.lL  IIIEDKSEL 


ro]i!iratiiin  fur  tliis  slii;lit.  I't'i'diniiiid  Mii)Hiiiitc(l  liiiii.  in  ^Iny  nf 
the  s.iiiic  year.  litMitciiiiiit  cdIdikiI  (if  liis  Black  Hussars;  and 
t\\(i  iimnths  after  jiavc  liiiii  in  addition  the  eonimand  of  Haner's 
renfinient — tlie  two  liein.i;-  e(|nal  to  a  lirijiade  of  cavalry.  On 
the  22d  of  .May.  at  the  head  of  lii.s  liussars.  lie  attacked 
(ieiieral  Cdiifians  witli  jireat  inij)etiiosity.  AViiile  ieadinf;' on  liis 
men.  lie  was  struck  hy  a  bullet  in  his  hroa.st  and  carried  oft' the 
field  in  an  insiMisihle  condition.  Ifapjiily.  no  artery  was  severed, 
thoiiiili  lie  was  iiiiich  weakened  hy  loss  of  hlood  ;  and.  nursed 
liy  loviiiji-  friends,  lie  soon  recovered.  Tfe  afterward  said  that 
he  scarcely  felt  the  hullet  in  the  heat  of  the  hattle.  having  fought 
(|uite  a  while  after  heing  wounded,  lie  also  stated  that  he 
reniemhered  distinctly  seeing  the  rrencli  chasseur  taking  aim  at 
liini  from  hehind  a  hedge. 

Nor  was  this  the  only  (iceiisioii.  during  this  period  of  his  lii'e, 
that  liiedesel's  intrepidity  was  shown.  On  the  night  of  the 
Kith  of  August.  17(11.  ^Marshal  linglio  ordered  the  J'rincc 
Xavier  ol' Saxony,  with  a  corps  of  the  army,  to  cross  the  AVeser 
and  attack  (leneral  iiUckiier.  under  whom  was  IJii'desel.  AVheu 
the  prince  arrived  on  the  banks  of  the  river.  Luckiier  was 
observed  on  the  opjiosite  shore  bringing  up  a  liattery  to  desipdy 
the  bridge.  .\  heavy  cannonade  at  once  coiiimenced.  which, 
however.  acconi]ilislied  nothing  for  either  side  as  the  ilistanee 
was  too  great.  IJut  the  prince,  believing  that  the  fault  was  in 
his  men.  sent  one  of  his  aids  to  a  battery  to  tell  the  gunners  to 
take  better  aim.  Arriving  there,  a  eontrovcrsy  arose  between 
the  messenger  and  the  otlicers  in  charge  of  the  batterv  in  re- 
gard to  the  tiring,  which  resulted  in  the  former  dismounting  from 
his  Inu'se  and  directing  one  of  the  jiieces  himself.  In  front  of 
the  liussars  who  defended  the  bridge  at  the  other  extremitv. 
sat  an  otlicer  on  a  white  horse,  'i'akingaini  at  this  conspicuous 
mark  the  aid  discharged  the  gun.  .\s  soon  as  the  smoke 
cleared  away  a  shout  arose  from  the  .successful  artillerists  as 
they  beheld  horse  and  rider  I'all  to  the  ground.  Prince  Xavier 
noticed  through  his  field  glass  the  success  of  his  adjutant;  but 


/-V  77/A-  .WIKIUC.w  l!l-:V(JL(TIOX. 


he  also  ..hsorvo.l  (1,,.  nHi.rr  whoso  hors,.  IumI  1,,.,,,  kill..,!,  work 
hiiiisdt  .„,t  iron,  H.MhT  it.  ,lin...tly  n.oui.t  anolluT  o,,,..  ,,im1  take 
his  i.laee  a-aii.  as  if  notl.i,,,.'  Iia,l  ..eeurre.l.  This  ineiclent  was 
made  ).y  the  i,|-inee,  who  was  a  In'ave  man  liiinself  an,!  liouoivd 
bravery  in  another  thou-h  an  adversary.  tl,e  o..,.asioM  tor  a 
chivahM>  aet.      Toward  evenin.u  of  the  san...  day  a  eayalry  n.an 

approached  the  lines  of  (inural  Lu.kner  leading- two  horses,  one 
of  whieh   \vas  rieldy  eaparisoned  and  a  most   heautifnl   anin.al. 
Atlirst.  every  one  supposed    him   to  In.  a  .h^serter   hrinoin.- a 
peace  offerin.^-.      This  heiief.   l,ow..yer.  was  soon  .li.s,„.Hed."when 
the  man.  liayin.u'  been  hroudit  before  (lener.I  l.uekner.  tendered 
the  fnen.lly  sab.tati.ms  of  the    prince  of  Sa.xony.  at    the   same 
tune  re,|U..stin,u'  tlie  general  to  j,nvc  the  heautilnl   horse  to  that 
-fhcer  who.  durino-  the  day.  had  ha.l   th,.  misfortnne  to  lose  his. 
It  was  .soon  discnyc.red   that  the  individual  (h'simnitcd  was  none 
other   than    Itiedciel.    who    was    not   a    littl,.   surprise.l    at    the 
f'nendly  ^ift.      He  di.l    not    h.'sitate  to    accept    the    proHered 
kindness,  bnt  e.xpn..sse.l   his  thanks  in  a  note  to  the  donor,  and 
.uave  the  bearer  of  the  present  a  .-.msiderable  snn.  of   nKmey. 
Hut   that   whi.di   caused   even  more  sensation  in  tlu'  camp  than 
the    -ift    itself  was.   that  one    brother  had    aimed  the   o,,„   ^t 
another  brother;  for   the  adjutant   who  had    taken    such    -ood 
aim.  was  no  other  than  Uiedesefs  own  brother:      .Neither  of  the 
brothers  had  dreamed  ,,f  la'in,!.;  so  near  each  other. 

On  the  Kith  „f  An.uust  of  th,.  next  year,  itiede.s,.!  received 
-rders  to  att.-.ck  a  detachment  of  two  thou.saml  men  under  St 
A  letor.  In  this  en.ua.uement.  in  which  two  hundred  of  the 
oiiemy  were  kille.l  and  three  hundred  taken  prisoruM-s  |;i„U,.el 
distm.uuished  himself  with  so  mnch  personal  bravery  as  to  cdl 
bu'th  from  the  duke  a  renewed  proof  of  his  conHdence  •  ••  | 
rejoice.1  very  muc!,."  writes  the  duke  to  hiin  the  day  after  the 
action,  -when  I  1,card  of  y„ur  successful  attack.'  and  wait 
impatiently  for  a    detailed   report   fnun    you."      And   auaiu.   on 

an.ither  oe.  .isi,ui.  upon  his  favorite  aid  surprising  and  captnri 

the  villap.  „f  3Ieiiuerinuhau,-en.  the  duke  writes  to  him  in  tl" 


lie 


MAJOR  GEN  Kit  A  L  RIEDESICL 


8anio  Htniin  :  "  I  am  much  i)lcased  with  your  diligence  and 
activity.  On  all  pdHsihlo  occasions  I  will  give  you  proofs  of  my 
friendship  and  obligations." 

Indeed,  although  he  was  at  this  time  but  twenty-two  years 
of  age,  these  and  subscfiucnt  events  prove  that  he  had  already 
accomplished  more  than  could  have  been  reasonably  expected 
of  a  person  of  his  age  and  rank,  since  ho  occupied  a  position 
such  as  is  generally  alone  held  by  older  and  higher  officers.  It 
is  not  known  with  certainty  whether  he  was  at  this  time  adju- 
tant to  the  duke  or  not,  his  duties  being  in  reality  higher 
than  those  of  that  rank.  Still,  as  there  are  letters  yet  extant, 
directed  to  the  •'  adjutant  of  his  excellency,  the  duke  of  IJruns- 
wick  Ijiineburg,"  nothing  in  relation  to  this  poini.  can  be  said 
with  certainty.  He  was  engaged  in  active  service  throughout 
the  whole  of  the  war;  and,  upon  peace  being  declared,  he 
retired  into  winter  (juarters,  and,  at  Wulfenbiittel  in  the  Duchy 
of  JJrunswick,  and  in  the  month  of  December,  17t)2,  was  married 
to  Frederica  Von  Massow,  second  daughter  of  G  iimissary 
rieneral  Von  Massow,  whose  ac(juaintance  he  had  formed  in  the 
course  of  his  military  career.' 

Ilis  personal  appearance  at  this  period  of  his  life  is  described 
by  pAilking  as  follows : 

"  There  is  an  excellent  portrait  in  the  possession  of  the  family, 
which  represents  the  entire  person  of  the  captain  of  hussars 


1  For  a  (lolailfd  accnuiit  of  Uiodcscl's  roniantic  CDiirtfhip  nnrt  marriage  the 
reader  is  relVrred  to  The  Ltttera  anil  Journals  of  Mm.  General  Riefle>iel\\\iK\\  I'orniB 
the  nixth  vohime  of  MunseHV  Serie:*  of  Local  American  llictory. 

The  fruit  of  this  mnrringe  «as  niiio  children,  viz  i  1st,  Christian  Charles  Louis 
Ferdinand  llcnry  William  Herman  Valentine,  born  in  lierlin,  Jamniry  (ith,  17fi(i ; 
died  Fi'hruary  2d,  ITti".  2d,  Philippina,  March  2!ltli,  1770 ;  died  February  2d,  1771. 
.Sd,  Augusta,  .\ugust  ,sth,  1771.  4th,  Frederika,  May  12th,  1771 ;  married  to  Count 
Kedeu,  who  died  in  1S.>1.  5tli,  Caroline,  born  at  Wnlfenbiittel  in  March,  177(1 ;  un- 
married, (ith,  America,  born  in  New  York  city  on  the  7th  March,  17.S0  :  married  to 
Count  Bernsdorf.  7th,  Canada,  horn  at  Sorcl.  Canada,  on  the  1st  November,  17.'<2 ; 
lived  but  a  few  weeks.  8th.  Charlotte,  wife  of  JIajor  Van  SehOuing  in  the  service 
of  tlie  king  of  Sa.\ony.  itth,  (.ieorgc;  died  Ith  of  August,  1S5I.  at  Bachwald  in 
Pileaitt. 


I 


/•V  rilK  AMKItlC.W  itEvownox.  y 

[l{i.'.l.-s.l]  at  .hoaf  o,K..«ni.  of  Lis  si.e.  Wo  .....  hi,..  .,.,,,  ,„ 
th.  eicj^ant  an,  tasty  nnitorn.  of  l.is  ,v.i„..„.t.  i„  tl..  ,V..sl.,..ss 
«  youth  a,.a  ti.e  V,,.,  ..nu.al,h.      H..  i.  „,•  , iu.n  height,  of 

an  oW.-  ol  ..avahy.      Hi.  f.ce  is  full  and   voun.l.  his  ..hooks 
J2;;     '-'n.,whilohisfin. ....„.h„.  .,atn....s  ina 

In  h.  espeemll,  ),..auntnl.  hu.,0  hlno  ...OS.  (nil  of  viva  i,v  an.l 
k.ndn.ss   wo  soe  that  ,,othin,   i,.,,„.,...  i,  ,,„„„  ,,„,,.„; 

~.     thos....l.     His  int..,.io,.  is  in   ha.. „,  with   his     " 

""•    /''■^'''■'•''•^'-^---•'''lvfo.'.'vo.-v,hi.,,.,.ohk.and....oa. 
jUKs       .        t,^ 

■'    '"'"""  ~"'  '""  "f  '•""'•■•';^>'  Mn.l  ,h„-ino,     Snoh  a  fo,-,  ,    wlih 

«..oh    'P-liti..s  of  h..a,.t   and  soul.  ,...iiy  won    tl  .     ,tt  • 

tW' who  ..an...  i,.  ,,„.,,,,  ,,t,^  ,,,„..  '-^  ^         tl...   a«oot,ons  of 


^      •«)..ao,.ount..f  his  „...atindust..y."  ..,„.,  iuu,,  his  hi ,.. 

..•cKj.l.atth,stin.o.hadlittloti,.,owhi..hhooo,,]d..a 
-..,,.. n,  as  w...n  as  his  sw,,,.d.  was  consta..tlv  in. h.,,.an,.. 


exciti'nionts  of  husinoss;  ami 


'"Hi  It  n....dod  tho  rofroshino.  i„fl„„„,, 


:;;"^""-;-7i-'^-« ......ista:;:.  ■;;:;;;. ';::■:: 

"»;;-"-   to    tho   ,n..n,l    in    wo.-.ls.      Thus    wo   always  Hn.fn 

•'    :""  ^" '"^"« --^1 ■-•o.. th..,.onowio      .V 

-n  ions    pass,..,  events.      Hisl..,,..,-.    to   AV.stphal.   Wi,  ^n 
K0.W0.    ,»osonthai.    Hhlow.   .Jl.nth..,.  and    otho,-!  a.o  t       ^ 

I''-';.-;t  thowan.,..st  and   ,,ohl..sttW.lin,s.,f  hisinl    1 
-       standi...  rovoaiod  in  tho  sunlight  p,,,.,;.  ,,.,,,.-  """' 

J>n  tho  disbanding  of  his.... .i,.,„„    ;,.    IT.ir.  J{io,l..s..l  was 

I'l-.todadjutant,..,u.,.alof,hoH..u,..,ioka..,nv.      |,.„.,., 
Ins  advan....n,oi.t  was  ,.,.,„id       1..  1770.,  '         '""''""" 

,..,,.i,;„  ,  ,         ,  .  ,  '  '"  J<  <-.  Iio  was  naniod  00  .uiol  of 

<."l..iu.o.-s.  wh.oh   was  snh.s..,,u,,,.tlv  t;„.„„,, 


.''li"rtKaftof,tho.\ni..|.ir,. 


into  a   .•oniiii,.,it  ,if 

III  10Volu(ion|„.,,k,.  i.ilf;   ,.|||,| 


"■"-' ■■•" '; ».K..i»., ;;:;:;:;:::,  ;r;;;^; 


10 


^rA.^oR  (ikxeual  ihkokmkl 


iiit(.  (vfiitics  with  the  petty  Hovereifins  of  (ii'Viiiaiiy  to  take  into 
horscrvii'i-  iiiiwanl  of  twenty  tlioiisanil  (Icrnian  tniops.  of  wliich 
nearly  four  tliousand  were  from    Hrunswielv.     Colonel    lliedesel 
was  at  onee  advaneoil  to  the  rank  of   major  <:eneral  and  }:iven 
the  eommand  of  the  IJrunswiekerH.     He  sailed  from  the  Klhe 
on  the  21st  of   .Mareh.  177t!.  arrived   at   Sjiithead  on  the  2Sth, 
and  sailed  on  the  -Uh  of  April  for  t^iehee,  where  he  arrived  on 
the  1st  of  June.     After  spendinfj;  u  year  in  Canada,  he  uejom- 
panied  (ieneral    Burjroyne  m  the  expedition  whieh  resulted  so 
disastrously    for    British   arm.s.     After   the  surrender  of    that 
.-•oneral   to  dates,  he  aeeonipanied   his  commander  in  chief  to 
Albany,    where,   as   related   at   lenjith   by  his   noble   wife   who 
shared  his  captivity,  he  was  entertained  with   the  most  lavish 
hos].itality  by  (u-neral   Schuyler  and   his  wife,     licavin-;'  that 
city  on  the   22d  of  October.  1777.  he   set   out  for  Cambrid-e, 
Massachusetts,  and  arrived  there,  with  the  other  German  pri- 
soners, on  the   7th  of  the  followinji  Novendier.     Tn  November. 
177S.  the  (iermaii    troops  haviiifi'  been  transferred  ))y  order  of 
eonjrress  to   Virginia,   Hiedesel  and  liis  wife  and  family  went 
with  them.     After  remaining  in  that  province  for  several  months, 
he  was  permitted,  in  Novend)er.  177!t.  to  remove  to  New  York 
city,  where   he   was  exchanged   in   the  autumn  of  17S(».     His 
active  temperament,  however,  would  not   allow  him  to  remain 
idle.     Accordingly,  tieneral   Clinton,   at  his   solicitation,  con- 
ferred on  him  a  connnand  on    Long   island.     He  remained  on 
the  island  (having  his  head  ([uarters  on  the  present  Brooklyn 
Heights),  until  the  11th  of  July.  17S1.  when  he  endmrked  with 
his  family  on  board  a  miserable  tub  of  a  tran.sport  —  The  iiittle 
1),.;,1  _f,v  Canada.     After  touching  at  Halii'ax  and  being  hospi- 
tably entertained  by  the  commandant  of  that  town,  he  arrived  a 
goc(md  time  at  Quebec  on  the  lOth  of  September.  17S1.  and  at 
onee  took  po.sscssion  of  his  old  (juarters  at  Sorel.  having  been 
placed  in  charge  of  that  district  which  lies   south  of  the  St. 
jiawrence  lietween  tlu'  Sorel   and   Lake  Clianiplain.     In   178:5. 
an  order  having  been  received  to  send  home  the  (iernian  troops, 


/ 


I 


/.V  THE  AMEltlVAy  RKVOIATIoS. 


/ 


11 


1 


»'<>  sailed  fn,u,  Qia-boc  in  Aufru.st  .,f  tlwit  vfir  a.,.1  arriv...!  aCtrr 
a  nnnarkal.ly  .,ui,.k  ,.assaj,v.  i„  Kno.],.,,,!.  TluMKr  Iw  ,.ro.v,.,l..,l 
';  In.  I..m.,,  i,.  Wultl.nl„itU.|.  wl.id,  ho  .mWx.A  at  tl...  hea.l  of 
I'l.s  tn,„,,,s  to  reodve  fro,,,  tho  antl,o,-iti„,s  of  that  tow,.  a„  a,...,.st 
H'Ml  fo,.,.,al  .•..cv,.fio„.i      ()„   ,l„.  Hfth  of  Mai-di.   1787    ho   was 

!" ^'■''  ^"  "'"^  '■""'^  "'•  li""to,.a,.t  .e,.e,-al  ;  a,..l  i,.  tho  follow' 

i",U.>  .■••..•.  wa.s  ai.po.i.to.l  to  tho  oo,u,„a,.d  of  tho  l{,M,„swiok  oo,.- 
tn.f.e..t.  whioh    oo„.,,o.soda  po,-tio„  of  tho   (io.-.na,.   a,-„.v  that 
was  sont  to   lIoHand  to  ,su,,,.o,,  ,ho  oa..so  of  tho  .tadthohk.. 
lo  Ho,.vod  w.th   h..iof  i„to..vaIs  i,.  that   oo,.„t.-y  ,.,.til  tho  oloso 
o    1-J.5   who,,  ho  .-otLvd  to  his  a„oo,st,.al  oastio  i„  l,a,.to,.|,aoh 
Ins  btrth-piaco).  -'     I,.  1794,  he  retu,.„od  to  J},-,.,.swiok.  havi,.,. 
boo,,  a,,,,o„,tod  oo„.„.a„da,.t  of  that  oity.      -lo  ,lid  „ot.  howeve." 
|o..f^  o„.,.,y  tho  ho„o,-s  a„d  o„.ol,„„o,it«  of  that  offieo,  an  he  died 
>n  that  tow,i  o,.   tho  .;th  of  .Ja„ua,.y.  1H„0,  i,.  tl„  sixtv-sooo,.d 
ya,-  of  h,,s  a,o.     .Max  A'o,.  Koiki,,;,.  has  dosc.-ihod  his  la^t  ilL.c.ss 
''"<!  'l-'th   i,.  tho  foliowi,..  to.K-l.ino.]y  beautiful  a..d  j:.-a,,l.ie 

'•  The-  health  of  CUM.on.l  Kiodosol  was  so  ,.,uoh  iu.provod  after 

i-s  .otu,-,.  f,.o„.  M„1|,,,h1.  that  ou  th,.  last  day  of  the  year  17<)'. 

1...  was  well  o,.ouj,h  to  ,-ido  his  fayorite  hor.Ji,.  tho  a;-,.,.uo       'v 

""-nlHToff,-io,.dshad  asso.ubledat  his  house  o,.   \ow   Yom.-'h 

oyo.  at  h,s  ...(uest.  as  ho  wished,  i,.  aeoordauoo  with  tho  "ood 

"'''  *■"'■"'""   ^•"■^^ -f"  o..,joy  the  last  hou,-s  of   the  dopa.-ti...r 

yea.-,  and  woloou.o  i„  tho  „ow.  All  the  co.upauy  we,-o  in  sueh 
K-_.dsp„.,tsthat  they  daneodafte,- supper;  and  Hiodosel.  always 
a  friend  to  ,n,.oee,.t,  sooial  a.nuson.onts.  daneed  a  few  ,-ounds 
l-msolf.  Ihus  he  entered  upo,.  the  New  Year,  and  wont  to  bed 
apparo,.tly  ,n  perfbot  health  ;  but  it  was  destined  that  ho  should 
neyor  ajiain  bo  well. 

'-During  the  „ij,ht.   ho   was  taken  suddenly  ill,  hayi,,.  un- 
doubtedly  taken  cold    while  ridi,,.  on  hoPHobaek  the  previous 

AZ::;S!'::;;-;t:::;~^^ 

»  This  cwtle  wa«  bumed  by  th«  ,nob  i..  tho  troublous  thnen  of  18is. 


12 


MA.IOII  (IKXiaiAL  HIEDKSKI. 


'''*f»''''i •     Tlic  Inlliiwiiiu-  iiiiiriiiiiii'  111-  WHS  no  lii'ttt'v.  but  it 

Itciiii;'  tli(<  (Iny  tor  uciicnil  ciillinii  iit  tlic  court,  lie  would  not  .uivd 
u|>.  iiiid  Mcconlin-lv  rode  tlicrc  to  olVcr  liis  coiijiTiituliitions  to 
tlu'  lu'lovcd.  iioldc  riiMiily.oii  tins  tiu'lii>t  d.iy  of  tlio  \cw  Vciir. 
lie,  liow(!V('r.  nii)idl_v  ^rcw  wore,  mid  on  retiring;'  from  the 
ipiiliicc  wiis  oldi,t;cd  to  lie  down.  Tin' ]diysici;in,  who  wnw  ininu-- 
diiitch-  culled  in.  iMononnccd  the  dise.isc  infliininiation  of  the 
Mcrotiini.and.  in  answer  to  the  ini|niries  of  the  family,  could  not 
ciincoal  his  alarm. 

'•On  tho  cvcninu  of  the  illh  of  .Junuary,  however,  he  aeain 
folt  so  well,  that  he  left  his  hed  and  jdavcd  a  jzame  (d'  whist. 
lie  apiieared  remarkahlv  cheerful  and  talkative,  and  seemed  to 
have  considerahle  a]iiietite.  .\t  ten  o'clock  ho  retired.  J I  is 
eldest  (hiujihter  was  tlicn  on  a  visit  to  her  parents  with  lier 
liu,sh:nid.  Count  ISeu.ss.  Thus,  all  the  mcmhers  of  the  family 
wore  in-i'sont.  and  wished  him  a  joyful  ji'ood  nij;ht.  in  tlu'  confi- 
dent h.iiie,  that  his  com|ilete  recovery  was  near.  Hut  the  death 
angel  was  nearer  I 

''The  ne.Kt  morninj:'.  liel'ore  day-hreak.  when  Count  Heuss 
np)iroache(l  the  )iedsi(Ui  of  the  ])atient.  ho  su]i]>o.sed  that  he  still 
wlopt,  hut  on  lookinu'  clo.ser.  and  takinii'  Indd  of  his  hand,  lie 
fouml  it  stiff  and  cold.  Tlio  dear  one  indeed  slept,  hut  it  was 
tho  sleep  of  death  1  .Vpnploxy  had  terminated  the  life  of  the 
nohleman.  infiammation  at  the  same  time  takinii'  jdace  in  the 
di.seased  pait.  Count  Keuss  at  once  called  tho  S(m  into  the 
room  and.  presently,  the  heroaved  survivors  stood  around  tlie 
death- coucli. 

"  Tie  sad  news  soon  spread  throughout  the  city  and  country  • 
and  the  loss  of  a  man.  who  was  universally  hohivedand  esteemed, 
was  mourned  iii  all  circles.  Tho  earthly  remains  wore  taken  to 
Lauterbuoh  and  solumnly  placed  within  tho  family  vault." 


1 

I 


/v  ///AM  i//-,7,7fM.v  nEVdi.rrio';. 


IS 


'"'■'i-«'l  poss..ss,.,|  ,.,ll.l,..,|„M|iti..s  of,,  .■ 1 n„,.vrSHl,li,,. 

.'" ''""■^■•""'  •"^'•'•<'fi""  in  .I.H.u,.,..  I,..  „„ih.,|  fliMt  ,,ni,.k,„.s. 

"'"••*'""    "''i'l^'"'   ••'i^v.vs   km.vv    ',„w   to  ..xnvi.s..  .,    ,1,„  ,i..|,t 

""";7'^       "'^   ••''■^"-   ""<!'"-f' iH.   .•o,npn.h..n.l,..|   ..vrvthh..^ 

;;"""'^  ;""'   '"^  l"'"^^'"'"  "'■  '"i'Ml  M.Ml  f:n,„|    „„., -v  ;.|.l„ni 

"i'-,,k    Inm.     S,.,n..„r,h..s,.  traits  nn...s,,..nnllvill,>;tn„..l  in 
the   tnllnwMij:-   ,„lv..,mnv   wl,i..l.    1,M,,,„,„.,|    ,|,„;i„.,.   ,„„    .,,,,, 

^'f''^'''''^     '""• '■'''^'-"'l-i;^M.,l!k.,I,.s..U,,sin,lH.  iK.lnt 

•;*  •■" -  ""  "  ""'•'"  ''""il.v  wl"-"  -untrv  .s.^.t  was  I.ut  a  .i,„rt 

''"■':'7;'' '' 'l"=Mt..rs.      ()nsu,.|MK.,.a. s  lu-  was  a,-..,,,..- 

V'"""'     ''•'     ""'>■     '""^     ■^'■'•^■•"'f-     'I"'''"     l'"i",U'.     MS     I,.,     tl 1„       MO 

Ua.ipT    ot    a    suri.riso.      H„t    ..,„.    ,lisM.al.    tn^^v   al^.r, i„ 

l)eee„.bor.  as   ho  wan  n.sily  ..Lattin;:    witi,    thi;  ta,„ilv,  on.  of 
tl'"  I'l'lK's  noti.T,!  llnvM.ul.   tl„.  wi.ulow  a  nuinlu.,-  of  hors..,..,.,, 
••'I'l'>'".'-ln,.u-  tl,.   h„us...     SI,..    i„..„,Mlint.ly  cmII.mI    I,..,-  ..„..sfs 
^ttv„,,,„,   ,„  tl,..  ,,a,.ty.  who  w..,..,  at  on,...  ,-..,.o.nis,.,l   l.y  hin,  as 
'■  '•"'"•li  ln.ssa,.s.     Th..  i;.,ni|y  wero  jrivatl  v  ala..„..,i  f;„.  his  safety 
-  MO,,..  „f  th..M.  ..„ul,I  see  how  ..s,.a,K.   was   possiM,.,  .i,„...  the 
.•asth.  was  s„rn„„„l,.,l  by  a  n,oat  fi!h.,l  with  wat.T.  a,„l   ],a.l  l,„t 
..-o„t,-aM....ov..,..h,i.ij,o.      Xo,.  was  th..r.Mi......  ..v..,,  I.a.l  h..' 

'HU'M  so  ,  ,sj,os..,l.  to  ..sc.apo  o„  ho,.s..l,a..k.  si,,,....  In.f,,,...  h,.  ..„„1,1 

•"<'".,t.  tho  .-„c..„y  wo.ihl  1,..  at  tl,..  othor  ..„,lof  th..  h,-i,|.,,.  ,..,,,1. 
t...-utort'his,...t,...a,.      Ilis..„t..,.tai„..,.si„.,,lo,-..,lhi„,  t,r..„.,....;i 

lHn,s..lf  ,„  th..  ..astl...  iM.t  to  this  he  wo„l,l  „,.t  ..„„s..,.t.      Hastily 

Katlu..-„,jr   „,,  his  tl,i„,s  wl,i..h   lay  aho,.t   th.,  roo,„.  he  ..ir.led 
""   lu.sswo,-.!   a,„l  l.i.l  tl,,.,..  adi..„.     Th..,.  s„at,-hi„..  f,.,,;.  his 
sun-ant  a,,  ohl  eavah^y  ..loak.  which  th..  latte.-  ha.l   tak..„  a  n.« 
.l.-.vs  hefore  f.-on.  a  lM...„,.h„,a,.,  ho  throw  it  oyer  his  si,o..l,l,.,s 
f"l'l     nsso,.va„tto  hi,1...  ,.,oa„te,l   his  ow„   horso.  whioh   stoo.l 
•'"•' ;i'ly  sa.Ml,..!.  an.l  ro.lo  slowly  towai'.l  th,.  bri.luo.     The  h„ss.,rs 
'-u^hy  this  ti„,o  a,-riyocl   in  fro„t  of  tho  j:ato.  J^io.loM.l';.,.- 
^'•-•■tat,voly  ,-o,,....st..,l   the,,,   i,.   thoir  own   lan.„a.o  to  n.ako 

'• "■      '  '""'^■"S'  *'"'<  IH'  was  a  r.v,.eh  offi,...r.  tho  hnssars  rode 


w 


14 


MA.iuji  (IKS HUM,  itn:i)Ksh:i, 


closer  tci^ctlicr,  iit  tlic  same  tiiiu'  snlutiri^-  liiiii.  wliilo  lie,  wisli- 
iiiu  tlii'iii  a  jrcHid  I'vciiiii;;:.  nulc  .slowK  pant,  and  cscain'il.  Tlie 
fair  ,t;nMi|)  in  tlu'  ilrawinjr-fniini  brcatlmtl  fn-cr  ii|iiin  Mi'einjr  tin; 
(larinji  caiifain  of  favalrv  in  Hafcty.  tlion|;li  tlicir  joy  w«» 
Hoincwiiat  alloyed  liy  their  terror,  incident  u|)oii  the  i)itrfi'  of 
the  nnweleonie  j;uesis.  The  latter,  however,  after  heljiinj:  theni- 
Helves  to  8o?ne  feed  for  their  horses,  dejiarti'd  (piietly,  fiivin^' 
Ifiedesel's  servant,  who  had  ))een  hidden  nnder  a  haystack,  an 
o|i|Mirtuiiity  to  rejoin  his  master  in  safety. 

In  teniperanient,  Iticdcsel  was  iuiinilsive  and  .sensitive,  vehe- 
inont  and  |passionatc.  and  easily  inelinetl  to  an^a;r  when  his 
indij^nation  was  aronsed.  Bnt  In^  soon  controlled  himself,  and 
frankly  hastened  to  do  justice;  to  those  whose  fceliii}j,s  he  had 
unwittinjily  injured  while  under  excitement.  He  was,  however, 
equally  j.'i veil  to  nolde  and  j;encrous  proinptinjis.  This  is  .sliovvu 
in  another  incident,  that  also  occurred  dnrinu-  the  seven  years' 
war,  which  strikinj^ly  illustrates  the  chivalric  element  of  his 
nature. 

On  the  2()th  of  >ray.  l"tl:i.  Iliedesel,  with  a  small  detachment 
of  liis  hussars,  had  a  skirmish  with  a  forauinj:  party  of  the  Kremdi, 
in  which,  after  capturinj;-  a  number  of  men  and  hor.xes,  he  was 
victorious.  Durinj.'  the  coinl)at,  Hrijiadier  (ieneral  De  Larre, 
the  leader  of  the  JMCucli,  fell  wouiuled  fnuu  his  horse,  which 
Itecanu;  a  prize  in  the  hands  of  the  (ierman  hussars.  The 
fi-enerai,  however,  was  rescued  by  his  men  and  carried  to  (iiit- 
tinjicu.  The  horse  of  the  defeated  general  was  a  beautiful 
nnimal  which  he  valued  hijihly  as  a  ^ift  to  him  from  a  dear 
friend;  audits  loss  occasioned  him  even  more  pain  than  his 
wounds.  The  French  cavalry  officers,  however,  knowiuji'  Hie- 
dosel's  noble  nature,  persuaded  their  ueneral  to  address  a  note 
to  him,  solieltinj;  the  return  of  the  horse,  at  the  same  time 
offeriuu'  to  pay  the  hussars  who  had  ca])tured  it.  any  sum  of 
money  which  he  mi.uht  name.  Upon  the  reception  of  this  letter, 
Riedesel  at  once  sent  the  animal  back  to  his  master,  declining 
all  remuneration,  but  paying;  out  of  his  private  purse,  a  sum  of 


/.v  Tin:  .\MKiti('.\s  itHviii.rrios. 


15 


•""".•y  fo  i(.s  ,.,.,,„„•.  Tl...  wn„,Ml..,l  orti.vr  w:,s  ,|..,.,,lv  tn,n.|,o.l 
at  f  u.  ..nn.lu,.t,  m,mI  in  nnuXh.y  I,.,,..,  ,.x,,n..s...l  l.is  ;:.Mti.u,l,.  t,. 
H....lo.sd  «;.r   l,i,s  n,.l|„„.,y  „„.|   .vM..n,,.i,y  in   (In.s  fullillin.    his 

wishes.     II.,  .li.I  ,„.t  live.,  howov.r.  to  ,,j.,.,iM  rnnunt  his  li^'^.rif.. 

I'-rs...  (;„•  n„  Hu-'Sth   h..  ,li..,l.     Shortly- |,..(;„v  his  .h.ah    h. 

'••■Mu.st,.,!  tn  ho  n.iTi.d  (n  (h,.  win,l,.w  thMt  In.  mi^l.t   i„„k  on,.,. 

"""•••  "I-"  l.i-*  Imrso,  whi.h  WMs  h,.i,..  |..,|  ,,h,„„  ,1,,.  y.nl  hy  its 

'"■l-l  ■•'  <"nsul(„fi„„  in  ,.,|,Ki,„i  t.,  tho  ilis,M,siti.,M  of  th..  h,.rso 
■•"'"I  'i">"nMin..,l  t,.  |.r..s..nt  it  tn  th.  ,h.„nr  who  s..  p.nnnusly 
1-1  .yhm,...l  it  to  its  owner.  .Major  S,,it/,.nhur,.  of  th.  Kl,.,,- 
'crs  Aol.,„.  ,-  acc.or,li„;rlv  wroto  th..  .sm,.  ,lny  to  |{i,.,|.,s,.l, 
'I'^'t  tho,r  ,.     .n.l,  hoin.u  .h.ul,  th.,  horse  helonfred  to  hi.n,  „,ul, 

'".'"■''"""'   '"'•^ '•'■"''^v  ..Hi.vrs.  h.  h.r,v.I  his  ...,r,.tan, f  ,ho 

">">«mlMS,.  mark  of  their  .Tatitiul,..      -\y,  the  friends  of  (|.,,„.. 

'•"'  '»;■  "'■•"•'•.•.••  mhls  the  U.lter.  -  f..el  un.ler  n.,.ny  ohli-;,.t s  to 

you  for  your  eourte.s.y.  ,,,.,1   wish  in  this  ,nanner,"to  repay  .so.no- 
what,  our  ol,|,.ations  to  you.      M.y  aeeeptin,.-  this  jrift,  tlu.refore 

:,'";  '"  ■'"'   "I ""'i'.V  "f"  «"   ''"i"^-"      l!ie,h..sc.i.  in    aeeeotin.r 

flH.  horse,  e.vpre.sse.l  his  appreciation  of  this  delieate  attention" 
a.ul  a,ssure.l  the  ,ivors  that  he  wouM  always  keep  the  anin.al  i„' 
."enioryot  tho  d-vartecl  oeneral.  h  was  for  a  lonu  tin...  his 
t.-.vorite  aor.se.  Su.  I.  tonehin-  e).iso.Jes  a.s  this,  {.r..atly  reli.-ve 
tlie  (lark  Imek-roun.l  of -rim  and  Moo.lv  war. 

Uie.h..sers  h.ve  of  jn.stiee  and  striet"  in.partiality  wer..  well 
known;  and  these  traits,  aeeon.panied  I.y  a  (Vien.lly  ,l..n,eanor 
"'Hi  .'.n   ...defatijrable  eare  for  th..  welfare  of  his  s/.hordina.es 

s^.m  won  the  hearts  of  the  troops  of  his  own  and  otlu.r  nation  ■ 
"I'ties.i  lie  puni.she.1  .severely  hut  Justly,  and  thus  was  enahle.l 
to  presene  the  re,sp,.et  ..fthn.se  who  had  merited  eha.sti.sen.ent 

M.n|:l.n^.  in  all   elas,s..s  of  .society,  he  ae.,uired   a  rieh  and 
valualde  e.vperienee   in   the    knowle.I^.  of   niankind.       In   his 


o^::c^s:  '""""'"^  "'■""  '"^  ■•"""  "■  ''"^  ^^"-«  -<'./.'.....„,■.,,,,. 


16 


MA-IOI!  a KX /■:/,'. 1 1,  l{IEl)i:SEL 


intercourse  with  tlie  liiiilier  cliisiies.  lie  iilwuys  s1inwe(l  eulturo 
and  i|uici<nes,s  nl'  iierceptinn  ;  and  it'  iiis  ii]iiui(pn.s  were  sonietinies 
jiivt'M  tiMi  fraiiklv  and  decidedly,  liis  manner  seld<ini  f;ave  citl'ense. 
■•Toward  tlu'  fair  sex."  says  liis  liiojiraplier,  ••lie  t^ver  dis|ilayed 
that  l<nii;litly  iiallantry  wliicli  is  yet  found  anioni:' elderly  j^ciitle- 
nien  of  iiuod  fainiiies,  and  wliicli.  in  sjiite  of  ail  clianuc's  in 
manners  and  usai;es.  still  a|i|)eal  to  the  heart  and  soul."  .\nd 
while  he  ni'ver  erinticd  or  flatteri'd  any  one  auainst  his  coiivic- 
tioMs  he  was  always  courteous.  With  a  common  man  —  and  herein 
un(|Uestioiialily  lay  the  secret  of  his  jMjiularity  —  he  had  the  pecu- 
liar knack,  while  retaining-  his  dignity,  of  iisinj:-  lanj;iia,u'e  which 
was  the  most  suitable  and  intelliuible.  lie  would  often  converse 
with  him  in  his  own  dialect,  and  loved  to  •■crack  a  joke"  with- 
out dcscendinii'  to  those  uncouth  and  coarse  e.\]iressious  which 
were  then  in  volmu'  \vitli  many,  even  of  his  own  station,  and  of 
whom,  to  this  day,  many  anecdotes  are  t(dd.'  Ilis  men  knew, 
tiiat  however  seven;  mijiht  be  his  discipline,  his  heart  heat  ever 
in  symjiathy  with  all  tlnit  was  nohle  <\v  heautiful  in  their  na- 
ture's;  and  hence  his  example  upon  them  was  always  for  fiood. 

Notwithstanding',  however,  his  manifold  merits  and  the  favor 
in  which  he  was  ludd  hy  many  sovei^eijiiis  —  to  some  of  whom  he 
had  rendered  valuahle  services  —  it  is  somewhat  singular  that  \\\n 
hreast  was  decorated  with  only  one  order;  a  fact,  nioreovi'r. 
which  is  rtiidered  additionally  strikiiiu'.  when  it  is  reuiemhered 
with  what  reckless  jn^odiLiality.  and  upon  what  slifiht  occasions, 
decorations  are  lavishe(l  in  (iermany.  The  decoration  alluded 
tn.  was  the  uraild  cross  of   the  OuDKU   (IK  TIIK    (inl.liKN    lild.N.-' 


'  This '•  in'i'iiliar  kiiiuk,"  as  I  Imvc  culled  it  in  tlic  ti'xt,  iif  iiiiilviii;.'  an  inrcrior 
I'ci'l  at  casi'  williDia  (IcsiciKliiiL'  In  ilis  (iwn  coai'sc  aiui  viii;rar  li'vi'i.  is  possessed  in- 
few  men.  Sir  Wiiliani  .Inliiisdii.  in  ills  inii'reiiiii-se  \\  iili  ilie  Indians,  iiaii  il  ;  in^nee 
onetri'eaC  suuicent  ins  inlliience  ami  i)ii|)iiiaril v  witli  tiiem, 

■■'Tiiis  (n-der  was  l'(ninded  on  tlu'  Utli  nl'  Anjjnst.  ITId.  li.v  l-'redeiiel<  II,  tlie  Hrst 
iand;_'i'ave  (>riIesso-<.'assel.  Tlie  sovereiirn  is  the  head,  and  the  jirinees  nl'liis  lainll.v 
are  ineniliers  by  ri^rht  nC  liiilli.  Il  is  ;_'iven  Ui  Hessians  and  I'dioiu-ners.  whether 
civilians  or  niiiilar.v  men.  eiiiieras  a  reward  I'cir  services,  or  as  a  jn'oof  olTrieudshiii. 
'I'lie  recipients  imist   always  lie  of   hiirli  liirlli.  and  occupy  a  |iroiiiiiieiit  posiiiuri. 


TX  THE  .\Mi:f!li\{.\  UEVOLrriOS.  yj 

witli  wliicli  lie  wiis  invested  by  the  electur  of  Hesse.  William  1. 
Hut  the  rei)ut;itioii  of  (leiiernl  KiedeHol  does  not  rest  upon 
rihhons  mid  uDlden  tinsol.  His  nanio  honors  not  only  his  own 
state,  but  also  his  eomniou  father-land. 

Tl{ANSI,.\T(lH. 


1700-1776. 

The  important  ])orind  in  Uicdesel's  busy  life,  has  now  been 
reached.  Duty  eonipels  him  oiiee  more  to  draw  his  sword  in 
the  intere.st  of  a  foreijiii  jxiwer.  far  from  his  native  soil,  and  for 
a  cause  to  whose  merits  he  is  an  entire  stranjicr.  IJefore,  how- 
ever, enteriiiii  upon  the  narration  of  eveiit.s  which  happened  on 
the  other  side  of  the  ocean,  we  must  of  iieces.sity  review  tlie 
political  situation  at  that  time. 

Kver  since  the  year  17t)(f.  manifold  troiililes  had  arisen  be- 
tween Knjiiand  and  her  North  American  colonies,  which  very 
so.Mi  reached  a  pass  that  j.reclii(;ed  their  amicable  adjustment. 
In  the  year  1774.  hostilities  assumed  such  a  shape  as  to  obliuv 
(ieneral  (ia<:e  to  endeav(U'  to  su])i)ress  them  by  force  of  arms. 
This  led  to  an  en-a-ement  between  the  J5ritisli  and  tlie 
American  militia,  near  the  villa-e  of  Le.xin-ton.  in  whieli  the 
former  were  l)eaten  and  f  ured  to  retreat  into  IJoston. 

Encouraged  by  the  auspicious  result  of  their  first  trial  of  arms. 
the  Americans  took  up  the  sword  in  earnest  ;  and  in  a  very 
Khort  time  alxmt  twenty  tiiousand  militia  had  a.s.sembled  in  the 
vicinity  of  |{(,ston,  ami  laid  sie-e  to  the  Hriti.-^h  troops  in  that 
city. 


The  number ,)f(li(.vali,.iv  is  n„n,ii„illy  tlxnl  at  Un-\y-,nu:  \m  this  ralt.is,.„n.^laiitlv 
igiioral.  l-p  to  U.i!  d.iso  ollsi-,.  ih..  „nl.T  was  linMl..(l  I,.  „i,c  class,  but  .in  tl.o  1-t 
or  .luno.  ISlti.  thu  ..k.,„,r.  William  I.  ,ha„...,l  tbo  rules  so  as  to  iueln.le  a  .ecnu.l 
class,  coinpiised  i  I'  a  lesM-r  rank. 

The  .leeoratiou  cnsisls  ola  cn.iul  cross  attaeh,.,!  to  a  wi.l,..  re.l  ribbon  ,bor,l..re,l 
Willi  blue  and  white),  carried  like  a  scarf  from  riL'lit  lo  left.    Tlie 
it  suspended  from  the  neck. 


lie  coinniandei's  wear 


'IS 


18  MA.IUIl  (iKXKItAL  lilEnESKl. 

Tlu-  news  of  tliis  ovciit  faused  iki  little  iiidigiintion  and  fear 
111  Knolaiid;  and  the  ministry.  vijidiMiifilv  su[iii<.rtfd  liy  jiarliu- 
mcnt.  at  mur  dt'tiTiniiK'd  to  send  a  rcenfoiTcnjcnt  (.f  tniojis  to 
the  ivvolti'd  colonics,  and  for  tins  jinqMiso  took  the  most  lmu  r- 
,L;vtic  incasuivs.  Tlu'  (|Ucsti(.n.  however,  wliieh  now  arose,  was 
not  whediei-  troo|,s  should  he  sent  —  for  on  this  point  the  o(,vern- 
ment  was  nnaniinous  — hut  what  nund.er  eould  he  rai.sed  ;  and 
here  wa.s  the  difficulty,  sinee  Kii-land.  havin-  at  no  time  a 
.siiperahundance  of  soldiers,  found  herself  at  this  juneture.  when 
she  needed  them  most.  esi)eeia]ly  defieient  in  that  article.  Ac- 
eordinjily.  the  old  means  of  relief,  of  liiriiif-'  forcijiii  troops,  was 
re.sorted  too;  and  the  ministry  strai<;htway  hej-an  to  cast  '  m-in,ir 
jilanccs  npon  those  Continental  nations,  who  had  helped  them 
previously  in  similar  emerueiicies. 

We  now  come  to  a  suhject.  which,  up  to  the  present  day.  has 
heen  the  occasion  of  many  adverse  criticisms,  aud  which",  al.so, 
has  heen  used  hy  the  ill  disp.^sed  and  the  i,un(U-ant.  to  attach, 
in  the  coarsest  and  most  odious  manner,  a  stain  and  a  disiirace 

"I f'"'    <'>^'niiiin   nation  and   her  rulers,  that    can   never  be 

washed  off.  Indce.l.  tiu'y  have  n<it  hesitated  to  call  it  •■  man- 
.xellin-  "  and  -  soul-selling."  and  even  worse  names.  Allusion  is 
here  made  to  the  rentiuj;'  or  lettin-  of  ( lermau  troops  to  foreij;n 
]iowers  for  an  adcpiate  remuneration  in  money.  It  hecomes, 
therelore.  the  duty  of  every  (lerman  to  wipe  such  stains  (uit  of 
his  history  as  far  as  possihle.  oven  if  they  cannot  he  wholly 
removed.  ('onse(|uently.  whenever  a  favorable  oj.portunity 
offers  itself  in  the  foliowin-  ].a-es.  IWr  doiu-  this,  the  writer 
will  not  alh.w  it  to  pass.  It  is  far  from  his  intention  to  hide  or 
deny  the  had  conseiiueiices  that  have  foll.aved  in  the  wake  of 
subsidiary  stipulations  which  every  fair  man  could  wish  had 
never  .occurred.  At  the  same  time,  however,  lu-  will  endeaviu-. 
by  proofs  and  autiieiitic  documents,  to  refute  that  which  lias 
been  e.xau-erated.  or  added  to  by  falsehood  and  malice. 

.\  retrospective  ulance  is  necessary  to  a  correct  nndeistandin^r 
of  the  circumstances  which  led  to  au.xiliaiy  troojis  bciii<;'  let  fo"- 


/.V  Tin:  AMEltlCAX  UEVOUriDS. 


19 


iiinn.'v  t(.  torei-r.  (MMintrics.      And  first,  we  CiiiiMof  coiniKirc  tlic 
pmvcnt  state  of  thiii-s  witli  that  \vlii<-ii  oxistcl  in  tlu^  last  cfn- 
tiii-y.     Since  then  tliero  has  l.,rn  a  -ivat  channv.  nnt  only  in 
the  realm  of  principh's  and  ideas,  hut  in  tliat  of  actions.      Kverv 
thin-  pertainino-  to  society  has  un.U.r-one  consi.h.rahh^  reforni, 
and  (he  military  profession  is  no  exception  to  this  rule.      Kndea- 
yors  are  makin-.  it  is  true,  to  sh.,w  that  the  profession  .d"  arms 
i.s  stati.mary.  hut  facts  prove  that  it  has  advanced  e.|ually  witli 
•  ithers.     Tiie  system  cd'  recruiting-  was  in  vo.;iie  amoiii;-  Kuropean 
Kovernments  until  near  the  close  id'  the  last  century;  that  is. 
their  armies  cimsi.sted  of  ni.Mi  who  either  had  s,dd   thems.dves 
for  the  press  nmney  (enlistin-  f,,ra  certain  number  of  years),  or 
had  heen  forced  into  the  ranks.      To  the  hitter,  espeeiaUy.  those 
htd,m-ed  wlio  led  an  unsteady  life,  havin-  no  leoiii,n;,tc  „K,ans 
of  livelihood,  and  who  were  eonse(|uently  a  hurden  ))oth  t,.  their 
families  and  to  commuidty.     Scarcely  one-half  .d'  an  army  was 
eompose.l  of  real  subjects  of  tin;  crown.  alm(,st  everv  re-'iment 
eontaininji-   men   from    different   cmntries   wh(,   w.'re    -a'thered 
either   hy   fate   or   the    recriiitin-   officer.      That    period,    was. 
iK'cordin-ly.   in    every  particular  rou-her  and    harder  — a   cir- 
cumstance that   must   not  he   .overlooked   ))y  tho.se   who  would 
judu-e   the   system    imiiartially.      Hecruitin-  at   that    time    was 
j>rir;i,,,nl.  innnrsa/.      Kvery  one.  therefore,  was  accust.mied  to 
It.  and  viewed  it  from  u  different  stand-point  than  thev  d,,  now. 
That  many  abuses  were  connected  with  it  cannot  he  denied  ;  but 
where  can  perfection  be  found   in  this  worlds     The   recruitin- 
system  was  an  unavoidable  necessity,  both  because  arinh's  were 
lU'cessary.  and  for  the  reason  that  no  other  uu'thod  was  known 
for  creatinji;  them. 

The  recruite.1  soldier  helonuvd  h,>dy  and  soul  to  him  to  whom 
he  had  sold  himself;  he  had  no  country ;  m,  one  belonued  to 
Iiini  ;  he  was  severed  from  every  tie;  in  short,  he  was.  in  every 
.sense  .d-  the  wonl.  the  property  of  his  milifarv  lord,  who  could 
do  with  him  as  he  saw  fit.  This  s.u.nds  har.sh  to  „s.  ,„,!.  with 
our  ideas,  scarcely  credible ;  yet,  in  those  -lays,  it  was  a  con.mon 


20 


ilAJon  GEXEIiAL  lilEDESEL 


tluiiji'.  Kvoii  at  tlio  present  dity.  sailcirs  are  s.iiiK'tinics  impressed 
in  mavitinie  states.  wIkiso  lot  is  wdi-se  than  tliat  of  one  wim.  one 
hundred  years  aj;n.  was  seized  and  t'oreeil  into  the  rani<s.  In- 
deed, we  find  even  now  tlie  system  of  impressing;-  earried  on 
in  a  European  state  whieli  is  witii  many  tlie  idea!  of  pojudar 
liberty  — yea,  even  in  our  free  cities,  and  yet  we  do  not  fall  into 
a  passion  over  it  I 

What  was  the  position  of  a  German  soldier  at  that  period  in 
time  of  peace  y  lie  moved  in  an  extremely  narrow  sphere,  and 
led  a  very  poor,  and,  at  times,  miserahle  existence.  Vw  years 
he  did  not  leave  the  garri.son  ;  the  same  dnll  rontitu'  was  repeated 
daily;  and  it  was  .seldom  that  he  could  think  of  indnl-;in<>-  in 
recreati(in  and  pleasure.  Is  it  a  wonder,  then,  that  he  oiadly 
followed  the  flaf--  when  the  war-drum  was  beaten,  and  that  he 
joyfully  exchanj-ed  the  «/,»»/ of  the  camp  for  a  \\\\'  of  compara- 
tive freedom  and  full  of  adventure  and  danger,  especially  when 
there  was  ]„)oty  to  be  obtained,  and  also  advancement  when 
death  and  .lisease  had  thinned  the  ranks':-  Whitlicr.  or  how 
far.  no  one  asked:  it  was  o-oin--  to  war:  this  was  enouo-h  ! 
Strict  subordination,  moreover,  did  not  allow  the  .soldier  to  a.^k 
why  (u-  wherefore  lie  was  to  fiuht.  and  it,  therefore,  mattered 
little  to  liim  a-ain.st  whom  lu'  was  led.  He  knew  but  one  will  — 
that  of  his  military  lord  and  superior. 

Strenuous  endeavors  have  been  made  to  characterize  as  a  oreat 
"Utrajic.  the  impressment  .d'  the  well  kn.nvn  and  beloved  poet 
Seume  by  Hessian  rccruitin-  officers  durin-  the  American  war. 
chiefly  beeau.se  he  was  a  noted  jicrsonaue.  .Miuht.  of  cour.se. 
prevailed  over  ri-ht  at  that  tinu'.  Still,  a  similar  experience 
happened  to  many  others,  who.  lik.>  that  poet,  could  not  show 
the  neees,sary  passport  in  their  travels,  and  whose  appearance, 
likewise,  imli.'ated  that  they  led  a  vagabond  li^..  Seiime" 
while  a  student  at  Leipsi-.  left  that  city  .secretly.  Cnrin-  very 
little  f.n-his  personal  appearan.r.  he  appt-ared^o  .stranuc  that 
some  honest  folk,  who  kept  a  tavern  in  a  villa-e  near  Krfurt. 
where  he  stopp.Ml.  pointin-  to  his  broad  sw(n-d.  whispered  that 


/.\'  riiK  AMmnv.w  itKvoijriox. 


21 


likcl\ 


l>k..|y  as  not  li,.  IukI  witl.  th,,t  wouimh.  .Iis,,at<'lu..l  jKM.plo  „ut  ..f 
tl.e  world:     Was  it.  then,  a  won.lor  tliat  tin.  attention  of  the 
rcH-rnitiM-  ofli.-ers   was   attracted   to    liim '^     IJosid.^s.    ,niy   one 
e..uM  pivtend  to  he  a  tnivehn-  stud.M.t.      The  poet,  himself,  in 
Ins  antnhio,o,,,..',_v.   (k.s,  rihes  his   forced  service   in  a  hnniorous 
i-^inner.      A         .  other   tilings,   he   says  that   his   n.ilitary   life 
had  Its  attractions,  for  it  -ave  hin,  the  oi-jM-rtunity  of  crossin- 
the  ocean,      \either  was  he  specially  rejoice.l  when  the  nc'ws  of 
rcaco  came,  thus  enahlin-  hini  to  return  to  Europe.      Speakin- 
in  reierence  to  this,  he  says:  -The  news  oi'  peace  was  not  very 
welcome,  hecause  yonn.o-  people,  desirous  of  si-nali/.ini;-  them- 
selves ,n  hattle.  did  not  like  to  .see  their  career  thus  hrouoht  to 
"'<  end.      TlH.y  had  flattered  n.e  with  the  prospect  of  hecondno- 
"•I  -rticer.  in  whi.'h  event  a  new  career  miuht  have  opened  f  ,r  me" 
but  with  peace  all  this  vani.^hed."      Does  this  sound  like  disgust 
or  dissatisfaction  with  his  situation  >      If  fj,..  ..endin-  .d'  sohliers 
tuthe  American  war  l.y   (lerman   princes  was  as  dishcm.u'ahle 
as  many  re],resent  it  at  tiie  present  day.   the  .service,   certainly 
would   not    have   contained   so  many  thoronuh   and    honoralde 
>nen  who  went   with  the  troops  as  officers  —  men,  too.  who  had 
<list,n,,uished  tlnmiselves  and  .aaim.,!  a  hiuh  reputati.m  .Inrin..' 
flu.  s,.v.m    years'   war.       The   hest   soldiers   umler   the    hest  <d' 
leaders  were  sent  to  America,  all  of  whom  distinmiished  them- 
selves in  that  country  by  bravery  and  disciplin...  thus  [...apin- 
"-'  «lis,-race   upon   the    (ierman   name.       The   Americans,  even 
fn  this  day,  must  remember  the  substantial  lessons  taii-ht   them 
by  (ierman  troops. 

The  land-rave  of  Ijessia  was  especially  an  obj-'ct  of  indi^na- 
ti"M.  W  e  are  not  able  to  say  to  what  .'.xtent  this  censure  is  just  • 
l.ut  ,t  must  not  be  overlooked  that  this  prince  was  fiuved  to  parti- 
eipate  in  the  war.  Thejust.  well  meaninj;-.  an.l  thoronuhlv  posted 
lieir  to  the  throne  ,d'  JJrunswick  .says  eonlidenf iailv  in  a  letter 
before  the  breakin-  .uit  of  the  American  war:  ■•The  lamb.n,ve 
wdl  very  lik.-ly.  in  spite  of  Kichfeld.  fun.ish  all  or  part  of  his 
troops.     Otherwi,se  he  mi-ht  get  int.,  diffi,.ulty  with  both  sides; 


99 


MA./O/i  (IEXKHAL  ItlEbKSEL 


fill-  lie  is  nut  stniiij;  ciidiiuIi  to  rciiiiiin  iicutr.il.  ms  liis  i'lincls  would 
Sdcii  lie  seized,  iiiid  a  lack  nf  everythinu  would  scjuii  Ije  felt.  It 
was  Itelieved  at  tliat  time,  that  the  diiKeulties  between  l';n>:]ai>d 
and  Anierien  wciuld  lie  t'i)uj;lit  (nit.  not  only  in  thocMilonies,  hut  iu 
Kurope.  and  partieularly  in  (ierniany.  The  landj;Tave  <it'  llessia 
was  thus  t'oreed  to  take  sides  with  lUie  nt'the  parties.  Me  aeenrd- 
injily  entered  into  an  agreement  with  England,  or  rather  an  (pf}'eu- 
sive  and  defensive  alliance,  wherehy  llessia,  agreed  to  support 
Knjilaud  with  troops,  the  latter  jiower  also  .stijuilating.  in  case  of  a 
(l(!rnian  war.  to  ]>rotect  lle.ssia.  It  apjiears  further  from  the  above 
letter  of  the  heir  to  the  IJrunswick  tlirone.  that  the  landgrave  of 
llessia  had  money  on  hand  l)ef(n'e  he  sent  his  troops  to  America. 
We  do  not  deny  that  this  I'und  was  augmented  by  the  Knglish 
subsidiary  money;  but  it  should  not  be  fn-gotten  that  with  thi.s 
surplus,  structures  were  erected,  which  to  this  day  are  an  orna- 
nu'iit  to  the  land,  and  also  that  the  .state  received  its  share  of 
that  sum. I 

The  motives  which  governed  Brunswick  in  letting  iier  troops 
for  pay.  and  the  manner  iu  whidi  she  exjiended  the  money  thus 
received,  will  appear  in  the  f(dh)wiiig  authentic  documents.  The 
pos.«e,Ksioii  of  many  soldiiu's  was  at  that  time  an  expensive  luxury 
for  (iermaii  ju-inces.  using  u[).  a.s  it  did.  a  large  portion  of  their 
incinne.  at  u  tinu'.  aI.«o.  wlien  their  treasuries  were  very  low  in 
conseijuence  of  the  seven  years'  war.  Kngland  needed  troops; 
the  (ierman  states  necih'd  UKUiey  ;  it  was  therefore  natural  that 
they  .'^hould  mutually  aid  each  other.  England  had  already  been 
an  ally  of  IIe.«sia  and  Brunswick  during  the  seven  years'  war; 
and  in  case  of  another  war  breaking  out  —  an  event  wdiich  was 
thought  extremely  i)roba)>le  —  that  union  would  have  to  be 
renewed.  Providence,  therefore,  dictated  that  there  should  be 
an  immediate  understanding  with  Kuglaml.  looking  toward  the 
forniati(ui  of  a  league  between  the  two  countries.      In  forniin<' 


I 


'It  might,  nlso,  ])('rimiis.  iici'liiicntly  lie  nskwl.  wliicli  was  the  mdst  lieinouw, 
forcUjn  triHips  (Ighting  Ww.  Americans  Icir  pay,  or  Kiiijlislimcn  lljrliting  their  own 
hlood  for  i)ay ': 


m 


/.v  ■'■///■:  .t.,//.;/,',r.t\  ^■/.:vo/.rr/o.y 

Jo 

tl.is   union    .Is,.,  si,I.s  nn..t  1.  takon.  .s   it  w:.s  .asily  i;.^^^^^^^^ 
-at  .t  wouhl  b,.  „H,,„ssibK.  to  nMuain  ucutral.     Thus  originated 
tlie  iiotoi'ioiis  subsidiary  treaties.  "^ 

''''"'  i-l-'ti^'l  reader  will  r.^dily  see  tl.at  such  transactions 
"'■"'  '.'^^"'-    """•«^"   f'"^  '^I'l'-if  "'■  ti.e  time,   than   to  any  evil 
""■.'"";'  ,""   ^''^'   I""''  "*■  tl-   nders.     Men   do  not  govern  the 
.^i-.r  of  , I,.,  ,,„,,,..e  the  latter  controls  tl.e  former    °  "'"   *''^ 
'"  'IH'  lH.;,inninjr  of  the  year  1770,  Kn^iand  eoileeted  in  this 
w.y.an   annyof  5.MHM.men.of  whieh    l.i,1.0U  were   (lerman 
"•-I-      "-'^'Jt-'  --known  in  f;.rei.n  countries,  and  horeH 
?;:";;'""  '-■"'^;'-^-'-'^''t-lland  with  great  endurance. 
■H.e.y    «ere     .n   a<ld,t,on.   well  trained  and   di.sei,,iincd.      They 

iL.Vnhait       ,. bach  and  Waldeck.     The  first  three  mentioned 
states  cone  uded,  ,n  ]77.i,  a  con.n.on  subsidiary  treaty  with  the 
-own  ot   Kngland.     This  treaty  was  ..ubiished  in    Knglish  I 
C.mnan.   am     was.   conse,uently.   no   secret.      Its   titi:   was  as 
"ll-.ws:     -he    three    entire    subsidiary  treaties    which   have 
)-n  made   between   his   n.ajesty  of  Great    Britain  of  the  first 
part,  and  h,s  highness,  the  landgrave  of  ilesse-f 'asset    his  hH. 
n-s.  the  duke  of  Hrunswick-laineburg.  and  his  highness   H.e 
-ceo    .W(.sselasreigningcountof  ,,..., ,;,,,_^^ 
IM.t.      Knglishand    (i..rn.an.      Frankfort  and    Leipsi,-     1770 ' 
us  corps  was  to  be  made  up  of  .mr  battalions  ojg,..,.,.,,,,,,, 
-.1-d  tour  companies;  fift...,,  battalions  of   infantrv  of  five 
;''""l-nu.s  each;   and   two   con.panics   of  yi„,,,,,.   .„.,i   ,^..,/;- 

>-r.il.rcd  with  all  the  implenumts  of  war        ,;         , 

^'='"''""- ;^- - -^'^--'--nonsofiJlr  ;;:: 

-npany  ol  y,g..,.s.  were  to   be  ready  on   the  ,:Uh  o    K^l^^^^ 

;.ln.g,n  the  march  to  Stade.  where  the  t, ps  were  to  cm  ' 

K...man.der  were  to  fi,,,,,w  bmr  weeks  later.      Ka., ,,,;,„; 

M.is  to  receive  two  pieces  ofartijierv. 

This  treaty,  which  was  signed  on  the  Kith  of  danuarv    177(i 
"!^''-'n,the    English  colonel.  U-illi,,..,,,,.,,,,,:;^;;,' 

-n  nnntster  V.m  Schlicftcn.  was.  at  the  same  time^  an  oftensiv: 


24 


MA.Kill  l.hWh'UAL  lilEDKSEL 


and  (lofl>nsivo  iilliimcf ;  tin;  kiiij;  nf  Kntilnnd,  as  it  liiis  already 
Ix'Oii  ri'iiiarki'd.  in'ninisinu'.  in  inikc  of  an  attack  (in  the   Hessian 
eouMtries.  ti)   jimteet   tlieni.     The  treaty  with    |{i'uns\vi<'k   had 
already  hi'eii  siuried  nn  the  I'th  (if  .January,  at  tlie  latter  )ilaee, 
hy    the   above    named    Knjilish    edniniissary   and    the    minister. 
Hanin  \'<in    Femnee.     .\eciirdinj;  tu  this  instnunenf.  the  Puke 
Charles  ajireed  tci  tuniish  an  infantry  corps  of  i].l)(!4  men.  and 
lilJtt    of   liuht    cavalry.      The   IJriinswiek   drajroons    not    lieing 
ni(uinted.    it   was   specially    aureed    in    .\rticle    II.    that    "His 
majesty  of  (Ireat   Britain,   not  deeminj;-   it  advisable  that   this 
corps  should  be  mounted,  the  same  shall  serve  as  a  corps  ol'  in- 
fantry.     But  should  the  service  demand  that   they  should  be 
mounted,  then  his  majesty  agrees  to  d<i  it  at  his  own  expense." 
The  tirst  division,  consisting!' of  2. 2S(I  men.  were  also  reijuired 
to  be  in  readiness  i'or  the  march  on  the  loth  of  February  —  the 
other  division  of  2,018  men  to  bej^in  their   march  durini;'  the 
last  week  of  March.     The  entire  corps  was  to  be  composed  of 
five  reninients  and  two  battalions.     This  one.  also,  was   to  be 
suppliiMl   with  all   the  necessaries  of  war.      In    Article    XII,  it 
reads,  amon^-  other  things,  as  follows  :     ••  This  eor})s  .xhall  take 
the  oath  of  allejiiance  to  his  Uritannic  majesty  without  its  inter- 
ferinji-  with  the  oath  which  it  has  sworn  its  sovereiun."      Thirty 
thalers  '  were  to  be  ]iaid  as  a  bounty  for  each  man.     One-third 
of  this  sum  was  to  be  ])aid   one  month  after  the  sij;ninii  of  the 
treaty,    and    the    remainder    two    months    subse((uently.     This 
bounty  was  to   be   also   paid  for  those    who   mi<iht  be   killed. 
England  further   agreed    to  make  restitution  for  the  loss  of  all 
men  in  enuaiiements.  dnrinji'  siejies,  by  contajiions  diseases,  and 
while  bein^-  transported  on  ships,     lleenforcenients  were  to  be 
sent  from   Hrunswick  ;  and  those  offices  which  mijilit  become 
vacant   were  to  be  filled    by  the   duke.  who.   also,   retained  the 
riiiht  of  administratini:'  justice. 

In  order,  also,  to  refund  the   extra  expen.ses   occasioned  by 


'  \  I'nissiaii  tliaU'r  is  oqiml  tci  aliinU  Bcvcnty-flve  coiils  of  Viiited  Stnti-s  inoiicy. 


/.V  THE  AMHItlC.W  UEVDirrKi.S. 


25 


the  slidi-fnoss  oC  tlii'  time  in  wliicli  the  tnM,|,s  wtTc  to  !„■  ipImcimI 
in  ivadini'ss.  Knj-land  \\»\\>v\\  to  I'lirnisli  two  niontiis'  |iiiy  iK-fnri) 
till'  iniiirliin<>-  of  (ho  men.  and  dctVav.  ludrcnvcr.  till  oxipcnscs  of 
trinis](mt!iti.)n  from  tlio  day  on  which  thty  hciian  (heir  niardi. 
Tile  annual  suhsidy  for  nriinswiciv  was  rc-ulalcd  in  tiie  foilow- 
in,i;' niannor:  ■■  It  shall  hu-in  witii  tin!  day  of  the  si-ninj:  of 
tlie  present  trcaty.and  shall  hi-  sinipk-.  tlnit  is  — it  shall  amount. 
f<i  (i4.500  (Jurman  thalors.  as  Ion-;-  as  these  troo])s  receive  [lay. 
From  the  time  that  these  troops  cease  to  receive  pav.  the  suh- 
sidy shall  he  donhled,  that  is.  it  shall  consist  of  12!l.()(l(»  (ierman 
thalers.  The  (hnihle  suhsidy  shall  continue  for  two  years  after 
the  return  of  said  troops  into  the  donuiins  of  his  excellenev." 

The  treaty  with  the  hereditary  juinc.'  of  llessia.  the  rei-ninj; 
nmnt  of  llanaii.  was  signed  at  llanan.  on  the  nth  of  |''ehruar>" 
1770.  hy  the  ahove  named  Knulish  minister,  and  IJaron  Fredcrich 
V(pn  .Malsl.nr-  Count  Von  llanan  furnishinotiOS  infantrv.     No- 
thino-  is  .said  in  this  treaty  rej-ardin-  the  furnishin-  of  a"rtillery. 
On  the   10th  of  .January.   Colomd    Kiedesel.  who  had   heen 
appointfd   eiunmander  of  the  auxiliary  troops    of  Hmnswick. 
received   his  commission  and    instructions.     These  instructions 
were  made  up  of   nineteen  articles.      Article  XIV   reads  thus: 
"  We  expect  that  you  will,  as  far  as  lies  in  your  power,  .see  that 
our  corp,s  ha.s  its  due.  nr.t  only  in  the  admi'nistration  of  j„.stice. 
hut  in  everything  which  may  teml  to  pre.serv,.  t.,  us  the  priority 
of  rank  over  the    Hessian   troops,  which  i,s  hut   ri<;lit.      At  the 
same  time,    y.ui  are  to  act    in   coucert  with   the    cmnmandinn- 
f^vneral  ,d'  tho.se   troo|,s   in  cases  oi'  need,  and   to  make  ,„u.am 
cnmmnn,m.  without,  however. -ivino  the  appearance  of  dej.eud- 
encc.     This  is  sjiecially  eujoiiu'd  upon  you." 

In  reference,  also,  to  the  suppcu't  of  the  troops.  Article  X  \' 1 1  f 
says:  -Our  colonel  will  al.so  see  to  it.  that  whatever  helou-s 
to  our  troops  aceordin-  to  a-reement.  shall  he  furnishe.l  them 
by  the  Knjilish  commissary  department  durin--  the  campaign. 
Accidental  vacancies,  however,  may  he  hou-lit  at  a   rea.somihle 


26 


MA.IOll  (.KXKI/Af.  Illh'DKSRI, 


nitc.  1111(1  till'  iiiiiiicy  |i!ii(l  over  tn  tlic  (k'sijrimted  treasurerH 
ii('('(ir(liiij;-  lo  (lircctiiiiis." 

Ill  rcrcri'iici'  to  Hicdcscl  liinisi'lC.  niiil  tlic  CDiiiiiiiiiKlcrs.  Arti- 
cle \'lll  adds:  "  If  iiiivtliint;'  slicnild  liii|)|»'ii  t(i  (Hir  (•dlipiicl, 
])revoiitiiij;  liiin  from  (•iiimiiaiKliiij;.  lie  iiiiiHt  transfer  \\\»  nttice 
(III  //(^ /•////  to  Cdliuiel  Speclit.  iiiifil  otlierwise  ordered  liy  us  ; 
and  ill  cane  of  his  death,  to  [lieutenant  ('oloiitd  Hreyinann. 
In  ease.  also,  of  aeeideiil  to  liieiiteiiant  Colonel  I'laeloriiis. 
•Major  Sti'lle  is  to  take  eoininand  of  the  re;iinieiit  of  I'rinco 
P'rederiek  until  otherwise  ordered.  In  ea.so  of  aeeident  to  Colo- 
nel Speeht.  liieutenaiit  Colonel  JSrevniann  will  eoniniand  the 
rcfiinient.  Major  .Mongo  taking  his  place  as  eoniniaiider  of  the 
battalion  of  (irenadiers ;  and  should  3Iajor  Uerne  meet  with 
an  aeeident.  then  .Major  \'oii  Lneke  will  take  eharge  of  the 
battalion  of  light  infantry.  In  reference,  however,  to  further 
vacancies  tliat  may  occur,  you  are  to  refer  to  us  for  further 
orders." 

To  these  instructions  was  added  a  printed  copy  of  the  sub- 
sidiary treaty.     The  Duke  Charles  writes  : 

'•>Iy  Dear  Colonel  Hiedesel  : 

'•1  send  you  herewith  a  commission,  which,  however,  you  are 
not  to  produce  until  you  have  finished  the  first  march  with  the 
first  division.  I  also  .send  you  instructions  in  (lerman  and 
French,  together  with  the  directions  which  each  regimental 
commander  will  likewise  receive.  You  will  make  yourself 
thoroughly  ac((uainted  with  all  of  them,  and  .see  that  they  are 
strictly  and  accurately  enforced,  f  depend  solely  upon  you  for 
this,  always  remaining 

''  Your  affectionate 

"ClI.VKLK.s.  DUKK  OV  UlUXSWK'K. 

"Brunswick,  January  20,  177(>. 

'■  To  Colonel  Von  Kiedesel  at  Wiilfenbiittel." 

Before  the  march  there  was  granted  to  the  officers  two  months' 
extra  pay  for  their  e(juipineut. 


/\  Tin:  A.\rEitic.\.\  iiKvourius. 


27 


'•''"•   '■"•'"  "f  'I'o  oath  MS  ,,n..s,TilH.,l   in  ilu,  hvntv  wm.  „s  (;.|. 
lows  : 

••  V.u  lu.n.l.y  ,„...,„is,.  ,,n,l  ,nak..  ,.,»!>  ...d,,,!  „,„„,   ),;,  ,„,,, 

;!'"■''■"'•"•"" ■^'"l"""-"''"-''-i.liHryfn.,„v.n,„l..|„.,w....i, 

i-  .-St  ..x....||..n,.  hi.|,  an.l   n.i;:h,y  prin..,.  ami   loni,  ,;...„..„ 

11.   .vtlu,.pa,v,,r(;,,,|.kinj.„r,;,.,atMntain...rtlu.  first, .art 
■""    Ins  ..x,vll..,M.y.  tlu.  i.riM.v  a.nl  lord.  Charles.  I.y  tli.  ,ra.v  of 

<-;"l.  -  uk.-n5runswi,.k  l-.i.u.hurjr.  ..f  the  s..n,„.r,,art,  you  will 
^A^^^•  tins  [tho  an.omit  of  ,nnn..v  h,.iv    i,.s,.,t,Ml]   t,,  hj.    l,;.,,), 
'H'ss.  th.  rnyal  majesty,  i„  servi...  in.,,,  this  .lay.      Vo„  f;.,r,h,, 
pr...„,sc.   o,.  all  n,.,.asio„s.  to  ol„.y  ,„,l,,.s  as  it   i;..,.,,,,,..  a„,l   1.,.. 
l-;v.s  l.raye  an.l   l,o„..st  sohii..rs.  with  the  ..x...,.tio„  .,,•  those 
obl.j.at.o,.s,   whe,vl,y  y,.,,  a,.:  al.va.ly   |,o„„,l  to  the  seryi...  of 
-    ...  ...e^  the  .l,.ke,  o,.r  „,ost  ,n,eio..s   Lonl_i„  ,ve..ythi.„ 

faithful  a...l  w,tho„t  .leeeit.      So  hel,,  y,,,,  t;..,!" 

These  featies  we,..  „,a,le  with  the  ,.t„.ost  haste  ;  for  K„.Ia„,] 
ha.l  no  „„e  to  lose  if  she  would  ,,uell  the  rapidly  Krowi,,,  .vhel. 
'"•"  ;-;  '"'••  '•;'I""i-.  A„d.  indeed,  with  all  the  expedition  that 
'■""''  '"'  '""•'"•  '""1  -""I'--  tl..'  n,ost  fayorahle  ei..e,„nsta„ees  six 
'...H.ths  n,nst  elapse  hetlnv  she  eonld  land  her  tn.ops  on '  the 
A...enean  eoast.  I-,  the  ^a.Tison  eities  of  Hrnnswiek  unnsnal 
aet,y,ty  „owp,vyailed_so  many  pi-epurations  had  to  I,..  n,a,le 
to,'  tile  loi,f;'  journey. 

A„,i,L  howcn-er/the  thousand  and  one  details  of  business 
le.uanded  by  the  serv.ee.  Hiedesel  was  n,indful  both  of  his  own 
uture  and   that  of  those  who   belonged   to  h„n  by  the  ties  of 

k.ndn.d_l,.awillwhiebhen,ade.he,ayedireeUonsinrela- 
.-.  to  the  d,spo.s,t,on  of  his  prope,.ty  and  the  welfa,-e  of  his 
<a..nly  „.  ease  of  bis  death.  |.,.eyi,.,.s  to  this,  he  aske.l  the  eon- 
sent  oi  iMvdenek  11  to  disp„se  of  hi.s  pn.pe,.ty  in  Ca.nin  •  . 
l.onn,s...„   whieh  was  .ranted   by  the    kin.  o.i  tlu.   eonditlo,, 

..t.hthesun.    ,.eal,V.ed    by   the   .sale  of  that    e.state.    land 
sl..ul.nn.  purchased  within  the  boundary  of  the  I'russian  do- 

The  soldier,  i,i  any  war  e.xposed  to  niunerous  dan^^ers.  ran  a 


'2H 


M.\.fof{  uFShntM.  inh:i)h:sKL 


imicli  ^rt':itci'  risk  in  m  ciiiiiiiMijiii  lil<c  tliis.  wlicrc  wi  imicli  dc- 
licmlt'cl  (III  a  Inn;;'  iiml  li'diniis  vipvuhc  ;  fur  sIkhiIiI  tlic  voyiiiiv  hi' 
hiicccsst'iilly  iiiiidi'.  iitlicr  and  liitlicrtu  iinknnwii  hardships  and 
dan^cr.s  awaited  tlic  warrior  wli",  srt  dnwn  in  a  distant  |iiirt  id' 
tlic  j:liilic.  was  iildi;:tMl  tn  iiarticijiatc  in  a  war  wliicli  was  coti- 
dut'trd  iin  very  iliHcrciit  |irin('i|ilcs  Cnini  tlmsc  id'  Kiir(>|p('. 
America,  niuidi  less  kmiwn  in  those  days  tlian  at  jiresent.  wa.s 
called.  thrnujiliiMit  a  larj^c  )Mirtiiin  id"  (lennany.  the  •■land  of 
adventures  and  woiKh'rs."  Stories,  horih'riii;:'  on  the  faliiiloiis, 
were  told  ahont  it.  There,  the  war  eoidd  lie  eai'i'ied  into  vast 
deserts.  There,  the  wild  men  often  invaded  the  lands  of  this 
eidonists;  and  liorrilde  stories  were  told  aliout  the  love  (d'  tlio 
Indians  for  scalps.  Malijinant  fevers,  from  time  to  tiino, 
thinned  the  Kiiropean  |io|iidation  who  were  themscdves  in  il 
semi-<'iviliy,ed  state.  Notwithstanding-  tiiese  re]iorts.  however, 
tiie  Mrmiswifk  soldiers  were  in  hijili  spirits  and  cried.  ■-.Now  for 
.\nierica  I  "  There  were  many  (lermans.  they  knew,  in  America, 
lij;htinff  on  the  side  (d' the  eidonies  against  the  Kiijilish  ;  and 
if  they  coidd  endure  hardshijis.  why  shoidd  they  not  also'/ 

The  MruMswick  corjis  that  was  destined  for  .\merica.  consisted 
of  the  followinti  troojis  :  1st.  .\  rejiiuu'Ut  of  (  disniouutid)  dra- 
pions.  under  Lieut.  (Sd.  Haum.  'lA.  J'rince  Frederick '.s  rei;inu'nt 
(if  infantry,  under  Lieut.  Col.  J'raetorius.  ;5d.  lUiet's  rejiimeut 
of  infantry,  under  Lieut.  Col.  \'an  Khrenkrook.  4th.  Kicdescl's 
former  rcuiuu'ut  of  infantry  under  l,ieut.  Col.  \'(iu  Spcdit.  r)th. 
liattalion  of  jirenadiers.  under  Lieut.  Col.  Hreymann.  Otli.  Rifle 
battalion  (yii.ucrs).  uiuler  Lituit.  Col.  Haruer. 

Altlioujih  the  troops  were  ready  liir  the  nuircdi  <in  tlu'  15th  of 
]''eliiuary.  as  asrreed  upon  in  the  treaty,  tliey  did  not  move  until 
the  22(1.  This  was  owinf;  to  the  fact  that  ;;  h  vessels,  ujion  which 
they  were  to  cndiark,  were  not  yet  in  readiness. 

There  were  busy  times  in  IJruii.-v.icI  ou  that  day,  every  one 
beini;;  desirous  of  seeinj;  the  troo|is  leave  for  the  far  off  land. 
The  crowd  was  still  further  increased  by  people  who  liad  flocked 
in    from  the  neighboring'  villages  and  hamlets  to  witness  the 


/.v  nil-:  .1  i/A7.7r.i.v  iiHVdi.rrios. 


20 


striiiij:('  .xiirlit  iiml  liid  tlicir  IVifiiils  liircwfll.  Tin'  iliikc  ;iiiil  tin' 
jn'iticc  ii|i|ii'iir('il  nil  Imrscl'ick  mi  tlic  jilir.n  wlicrt'  tlic  S'lldicrs 
well'  I'lillcctcd.  Tlir  rnniicr  iiiiiilc  the  Mull  ii  |i.irtiiij;  ii(ltlrt',«'f* ; 
iil'trr  wliicli,  tip  tlic  !<cpiiiiil  of  iiiiisic  iiiiil  ilniiiis  tlii'V  iniirclird  by 
their  liclnvi'il  nilor  —  t'ticli  Imttiilidii.^.iliitiii;:  liiiii  witli  a  trciiiciiil- 
oiis  hiniiiii  I  Tlitjy  liail  mih^ii  tliiMr  sfivercijiii  ami  nimiiiaiKlur  I'nr 
the  last  tiiiK^  : 

riiliiiicl  liicdcscl  Italic  liis  faiiiily  adieu  with  a  heavy  Iicart. 
It  scciiicd  iiii|ii>>sililc  till'  him  tn  he  s('|iarate(l  iVuiii  them  I'ni-aiiy 
length  <it'  time.  Me  wmiid  ;:ladly  have  taken  them  with  him. 
I)iit  his  wife  wns  ex|ie('tiii;i  tn  he  eimliiied  within  twd  weeks.  He 
aeeiii'diiii:lv  made  an  ai:i'eemeiit  with  hiT  that  as  sunn  as  she  waH 


enlivaleseellt  she  sllnllld  f'nljnw   Ililll.       This,  tl 


If  Invini;'  ami  resn. 


lute  wiiiiiaii  |iriiiiiised  liim  with  a  Jn\ 


I'll!  h 


art. 


W 


e  eaiiiiiit  mint 


jiivitijf  ill  this  emiiieetinn  a  letter  nf  the  |)iike  t'harle."*  whicdi 
liears  witness  Imth  to  the  e.\eelleiit  heart  nl'  that  |(riiiee  and  to 
tlu^  eniitiih'iiee  that  he  jilaeed  in  liiedesel'.s  devotion  and  eajiaeity. 
It  is  ;is  tipjiows  : 

■•  .My  dt^ar  Colnnel  Kiedesel :  I  hav(^  reeeived  your  re]iort  ipf 
thi.s  day  in  whieli  ynii  annipiinei!  tliat  everythin;;  is  in  readiness 
for  to-morrow's  iiiareh.  tJratel'iiily  aekiiowled;iinji' your  I'aitht'iil 
services,  and  y<piir  well  meaiiiiii;  sentiments  tnwanls  me.  I  ilip  imt 
in   the   least  doiiht  that  you  will  aeijuit  yourself  with  your  (mpiii- 


nian 


d  t( 


I  n 


•y 


entire  satislaetiim.      V(pu  iiiav  rest  assured  that  ii' — 


in  an  uiihipped  tor  case — it  is  the  will  ipI'  Heaven  that  ymi 
Hliould  fall,  your  wife  and  ehildrun  shall  he  eari'd  tnr  as  l;ir  as 
pn.ssible.  1  liojpc  and  pray  that  you  may  return  well  and  sound, 
even  should  you  iKpt  meet  me  aj^aiii.  In  the  nieantinie  I  e-xpeet 
to  see  you  on  the  nnuTow  in  order  to  wish  you  in  per.son  all 
possible  good  ibrtuue.     •'  I  remain  ever, 


Vi 


iH'ect 


lonate 

ClIAKI.K.s. 


'•  Duke  of  Hrunswiek  and  Ijiineburg. 


Brunswick,  February  14,  177(5. 
••To  Coloucl  Riedesel." 


T 


;-!() 


M A.J  on  a  EX  Kit  AL  niEOKSEL 


Tho  fiivt  liiilt  (ivoi-  iiinlit  tliat  Wiis  iii.kIc  (in  tliiit  dny  was  at 
Lcifurt  ami  vicinity.  Hiedcsfi's  lieart  was  deoiply  afteetod  by 
tho  last  iiowcrful  inii.rcssi.Mi.s  made  on  it  by  tlu;  'iiartinj--  from 
liis  (,wn  and  the  hflovod  family  of  the  duke,  and  liis^'many 
friend.s  and  ac(iuaintances.  How  much  passionate  feeling  was 
carried  in  his  heart  the  la.st  lew  days,  the  following  letter  to  hi, 
wife  will  bear  witness: 


IS 


'■Lkikert,  FiI,.  22,  1770. 

••  Dearest  Wife:  Never  have  T  suffered  more  than  upon  my 
departure  this  morning.  My  heart  was  broken  ;  and  could  I 
have  g(  ne  back  wh.i  knows  what  I  might  have  done.  Hut.  my 
darling,  (iod  has  placed  me  in  my  present  calling,  and  I  must 
follow  it.  Duty  ,ind  honor  force  me  to  this  decision,  and  Ave 
must  be  comforted  by  this  retlecti(jn  and  not  murmur.  Indeed, 
my  chief  solicitude  arises  i'rom  the  state  of  your  own  health,  iu 
view  of  your  a])proaching  continenient.  1'he  care  of  our  dear 
daughters,  also,  gives  me  au.xiety.  (Juard  uuist  preciously  the 
dear  oiu's.      I  love  them  most  fondly. 

••  i  am  thus  far  on  my  journey  witliout  accident  and  iu  good 
healtli.  althoiigli  very  tired  in  con.serjuence  oi'  my  anxiety  of 
mind  the  past  few  days.  I  am  hoping,  however,  for  a  refresh- 
ing sleep,  and  trust  that  y,ui  nuiy  be  ble.-^sed  in  a  similar  manner. 

••  I  have  this  evening  been  raised  to  the  rank  of  major-general. 
Therefore,  my  own  .Afrs.  (leueral.  take  g<.od  care  of  y(mr  health, 
in  order  that  you  may  follow  me  as  ([uickly  as  possible  after 
your  happy  delivery. '' 


'VV 


I'/'  document.  wrift.Mi  by  the  duke  on  the  2(lth  of  January, 
!ind  given  to  Riedesel  with  the  injunction   not  to  oj)en  it   until 


the  first  halt  over   night,   ccmtaincd  h 


IS  appointment  as  major 


general. 

On  the  night  of  the  2:;d  the  army  camped  at  (liffhorn  ;  and 
.m  the  2ltb  at  llaukenbuttel.  whePL-e  |{iede,sel  wn.te  to  Duke 
Ferdinand  as  follows : 


AV  TlIK  .1 M Elm: AN  liFVOL VTIOX. 

ou,„,tho,,v.en..e  of  tho  troop...,. .tf|..,wdl.      V.n      t:; 

3 'Ml  li.n.>  lull  the  kindness  to  extend  to  us.     (),„.  ,„,,,,,,  ,, , , , 

«.e.odbette.th.nr  expected.     AVe  have  not  hlV:;!^^^^^ 

.-;  ev..,  o,.  is  content ;  and  I  h,..o  not  thn.  i;,Hj!  t^^^^ 
JiftcHltyto,.d,n.st.    Malordic  is  satisfied  uith  „.  .nd  I  I,  J        " 

.-.tohee,na,K-so.ithhi..anda.so..it;ti:;:l^Z^^^^^ 
-'Hc^.  l.ave    een  n.ade  lov  the  snppo.-t  of  the  t.-oops.      "" 

•We  sha  I  ean.p  on  the  ."ith  in  the  vicinity  of  Stade   whcv  T 
hope  we  w,ll  pass  n.nster  hcfo.e  Cohn.el  Fan'cit    m Lt 
baard  the  ships  as  ..oon  as  thev  an-ive       '  """^-"'^' '^  ^^'1^— 
•■  May  your  exeeHency  in  the  futnn.  p-ant  u.e  your  hi.h  favo... 
'■"aukenhiittel.Feh.-n.  177(1."  " ''"-^nKSK... 

Riedesel.  accompanied  hv  his  i^ersonil  si.W  .„„i 
tlK.    nx,i„  bc,„^.  „,„„„„ „,„  ,„.i„|,|„„.,„,         ':: 

'"'"■'' "'  """"■J.  Ill-  ,».KT„i  ik,„i  ,,„„„,.,<  ,,„i,„.  I,:  ' "' 

:'  ;t;™7 •' >""■' ■  ...1..;^.  w,,,,..;-,; : 

■'    l"iid    \  on    (,rote.       (hi    tin      TH      !     .■  .  ■-     r.  lo 

KI'.Hhnf.  and  on  the  -^vM,  ,,  \,     ,•       ,"        ''"'■"'^"'■'   ""'■''   "* 
Kiedesel   inspected  hrn         :?;::''7^*'''-  ^^''"■- 

•.---"^^-noVl,,,;a.      i,  T  "w 

"1- a  day  of  rest.     On  the  M    ■  ,"'    -"•■"■^'''    ""•'^ 

..n^  V  ,.  ~  ^'  '"I""  '"arched  to  TauieMohn 

'""''■'"';"  *'»«™',r  v,„„. I,,  ,,,,,,^1      " 

"""■"•■- •■""">■■  •i-i." V ,vi,i„,„,  „:,  : 


32 


MA.TOll  r/EXEl/AL  lilEDKSEI. 


tlic  Hvunswick  troops  arrived  at  Stadc.  and  were  i|uart('red  iii 
that  town  and  vicinity.  The  niarclit's  wore  sliort,  lastiuji-  each 
day  t'roui  four  to  six  hours.  .\n  excejition  to  this,  however, 
was  on  tiie  ^l'^t\  of  February  (the  day  previous  to  tiie  day 
of  rest),  when  tlu-  niareli  from  (iiffliorn  to  llaukenbiitteliasted 
seven  iiours.  Colonel  \'on  .Kst(U-f,  at  that  time,  acted  as  quarter 
master  general.  The  rest  wo  learn  from  the  followinji'  letter 
written  by  liiedesel,  on  the  ]!)th  of  March,  to  Duke  Ferdinand  : 


'•  ()\  THK  Kmjk,  ox  Ho.uu)  tiik  Pai,i,.\s. 

■•  Miirrh  ]<».  nro. 

'•  Monseigneur  :  \  taketheliberty  of  sending;- you  a  sliort  report 
of  that  which  has  occurred  durinii'  tlu^  mareli  of  the  four  batta- 
lions of  troojis  tliat  left  "Wulfeiibiittel  on  the  21st  of  February. 

•■The  following  list  will  show  your  excellency  at  what  places 
we  encamped  before  arrivin-i-  at  Stade.  AVc  have  finisiu'd  our 
marcli  withoui  desertion,  and  without  the  least  complaint  either 
IVoni  the  inlial)itants  uy  the  nu'U  ;  and.  what  is  the  most  reuuirk- 
able  feature  in  the  whole  of  it  is.  that  a  large  uund)er  of  those 
who  were  very  much  fatigued  held  (Uit  to  the  end. 

"  ('oh)nel  Fancit.  on  the  7th  of  3Iarch.  reviewed  the  dragoon.s 
and  the  battalion  of  grenadiers.  With  the  i'ornu'r  he  was  very 
much  pleased,  but  I'ouud  sonu'  i'ault  with  the  latter  in  regard  to 
their  height.  Some  of  these,  also,  he  thouglit  too  old;  but  in 
the  main  he  was  satisfied.  On  the  Sth  he  ri'vicwed  a  reginu'nt 
of  infantry  at  llorneburg.  and  also  Prince  J''rederick's  regiment 
at  Vortstade.  lie  seemed  more  pleased  with  thc.<e  rcginu-nts 
than  with  the  grenadiers,  especially  the  fornu'r.  We  dined  at 
\'ortstadc.  and  in  the  evening  returned  to  Stade.  (>n  th.'  Hfli 
he  began  drilling  the  recruits,  and  continued  it  until  the  12tli. 
On  that  day.  which  was  Tuesday.  llie  ships,  to  the  number  of 
seven,  arrived;  and,  on  the  IMth  the  regiment  ol'  dragoons 
cmb..ikcd  in  the  greatest  order  and  trau(|uillity.  in  two  hours 
all  was  over.  Coliuicl  Faucit  said  that  he  had  never  vvitne.s-^ed 
an  ombarkation  of  troops  which  was  so  (|uiet  and  orderly.     Not 


/.V  THE  AMElllCAS  liEVOLrr 


lux. 


;]3 


a  .-n.Ie  .„a„  w.s  intoxi.-at.,!.  Colonel  Fau.it  counM  ,,11  the 
»»on  om-e  „.oro ;  an,!.  akho„o.].  this  was  eo„,n.rv  to  tl..  ,.,..roo- 
'"'■"t.  I  c(.Ms,.nt,Ml.  havii.o-  a  doar  <.o„s(.i,.nc,"         ' 

-On  the  14tli  the  two  roj.in.onts  of  |{i,.,l,.s,.l  an,]  I',.!,,,..  F,,„], 

r.ek  w...  ,p.„.ton,,l  at  Stade;  an,l  on  tlK.  i;itl,  n,u,.  ..on,,anies 
.'t  n.y  ,v.Mn,cnf  uviv  jnit  on  l.oanl  of  tluv.  v..ss..ls.  Tl...  ICth 
r  s,HM,t  ,n  visitin.  ..11  the  ships  to  see  that  nothin.  was  wantin-. 
^.x.no.vsh,i.a,-otoa,nvcto-.lay.  Th,.  five  .vmainin.  .ol 
pames  of  n.y  roonnont  ..n.hark..,!  on  fh.  1  7th.  as  also  .11,]  th. 
'■nt.re    ,vo,nuM,t  of    IVincv    Vu■A.r\.^..     Th,.    san..  o,-,!...  an.l 

<iu-et  was  n,au,taiu..,l  wind,  was  ohserv-d  .Inrin^  tin.  two  pn.vious 
omha..  at,„ns.  The  iSth  saw  all  o..,.  ho.-s..  satHv  o,.  h' .n,  [ 
^ave  all  ,ho  ,H.,...ssa..y  lists  to  Colonel  Faueit.  '  We  dined  to- 
.-^-•l.e,-;  and  after  dinner  F  went  on  I-ard  n.v  ship  the  J>allas 
W-ee  Mn,ve  the  honor  of  writin,  this  to"  you,  .xeellenev" 
J  us  eve,,,,,^  we  start  tor  Freybu,-,..  ,,,,  the,,ee  to  .;i(..kstadt: 
«  une  we  shall   wa,t   for   tavo..i„,  ,inds   in  o,.d.r  to  h.ave  the 


Klhe. 


■^  I  am  nnahle  snUidently  to  dese,.il,e  the  eontentn.ent  of  onr 
-WUTS.      Kve,y  one  is  Joyful  and  in  ^ood   spi,.its.      |  h^ve  it 

!eZ,l"''  '"  "''"  ^""'"  '"'''""'^•^'  '"  J""""  "  """•••  <1''^-'^J 

■_Monsei.neur:   Ves.  I  da.,  to  say  n,y   n.ost.   n.o.t  .,.aeiou. 
;-»  '•-'•  I'-n-tor.  this  is  the  last  letter  I  shall  write  vou  ,.,„. 
•   =-i-n.y,  and  s  H.n  even  fVo,n  |.:,.,-op,..       [  ,he,-elo,.e  ^;nt„,.e  to 
k-       /:'«>^^e>le'-yatavo,..whiehto,n..isof.,,.at„.o,ne„t 


r      ;      ,,  •  , "    '■- '"  ,i;i<ai   ,,io,|ie,lt. 

'"*'",       ''''V>;'"   -"   -^   f-'-^'Mne.   l„,t   p,vserve  to  n.e 
.  .ur     -Mdness  ana  love.      .Vs  far  as  i„   ,„.,   ,i.„  ,  „.;„   ,,„  ^,„   ^,^ 

Uec-'f.i    tlieii,. 

■■  I   leinai,!.  etc.. 


I{IKI)F-:SK 


<v.\. 


''l'^''/''';ti'''''-'r>Mnl.a,-kin^.  Hi,,l,„.i,,,j,,,.t 
to    he  re„.nn,  duke.      H.  had.  also,  eaeh  dav  w,.it  en   to^ 
W.K..     '""•-:^l^tl,.,.,ntherajon,.nalwhh.hhehadk!;;; 


:]-t 


MAJOR  a  EX  EI}  A 1.  lilEDESEL 


Up  t((  this  time.     Iii  it  he  describes  hia  present  mode  of  living 
(lit  board  of  the  ship  as  follows: 

"Ox  lioAItl)  TIIK  TaI.I-AS.   Mnrrh  21.   177(i. 

••  Mere  we  are  still  ((uietly  lying  before  Stade,  in  conseijuenco 
of  contrary  winds;  we  must  therefore  have  patience.  Never- 
theless we  shall  to-day  noon  proceed  to  Friliurg,  which  is  not 
far  from  (lliickstadt.  where  we  shall  wait  for  more  favurahle 
winds  to  carry  us  out  to  sea,  and  across  to  Kn<;land.  Mean- 
while we  are  ([uiti  (tent.  Your  presence  only  is  necessary  to 
( iimplete  my  happiijv-  .  fov  T  coiifess  that  I  have  the  jinsatest 
loniiini;'  to  see  you  ou      lu"  ... 

••  l''(ir  yiiur  amusemoni,  ii  i'  that  you  may  see  how  we  pass 
away  uur  time.  T,  herewith,  send  my  jinirnai. 

••  First  then,  we  have  a  state-room  ahimst  as  largo  as  your 
sitting-roiim.  T'pon  both  sides  are  twu  small  cabins,  in  one  of 
which  is  my  bed.  and  in  the  other  that  of  Captain  {•'uy.  In  the 
state-room  itsi'lf.  (in  both  sides  are  fixed  fnur  beds,  in  which 
sleep  Captains  llensch.  (ierlach.  and  Cleve.  ami  the  captain  of 
the  horse,  l-'ricke.  The  cashier,  the  keeper  of  the  military- 
chest,  and  the  secretary,  are  in  that  jiart  of  the  ship  reserved 
for  the  siildiers.  a  private  state-rodUi  having  been  jiut  up  espe- 
cially i'(ir  them. 

'•  1  rise  about  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning,  alter  having  said 
my  prayers  in  bed.  AVe  dress  ourselves  (|uickly.  and  breakfa.st 
after  the  Knglish  I'ashion  upon  tea  and  bread  and  butter.  Then 
I  go  upon  deck  to  smoke  my  liijie.  .M'tei'  that  1  write  or  read. 
drink  my  coffee,  walk  u|i  and  down  with  both  the  I'lngiishnien, 
and  with  one  or  two  pi}ies  more  ]iass  away  my  time  until  two 
o'clock  when  we  have  dinner.  We  have  nine  persons  at  table, 
have  threes  dishes,  and  i>at  nearly  an  hour.  'J'hen  the  table 
cloth  is  taken  off.  and  we  sj)end  nearly  half  or  tliree-(|uarters  of 
an  hour  (Irinking  different  healths  as  follows:  i-'irst.  the  king; 
second,  the  duke;  third,  yours  and  the  children;  fourth.  Cap- 
tain Foy's  wife  ;  fifth,  a  good  sea  voyage  ;  ami  sixth,  a  successful 


» 


I 


/■V  THE  AMEniVAX  nEVOWVlox 

.ii) 

oxpo.litinn  i„  A.uorien.     At  .;.,„•  ..•cl,...k,  .11  is  finishci     Fou. 

!;:;;' :"r ''" '''r "'''''■' '''''•^' ^''^'•^''- -iti^  i...if  a  bottle 

kVi  r/'""     ■     ■''^"■"■•'"'■^   '   J'-i"'^   -«■-  with   the 

K  i^hslunen       I  he  ro.na,ni,.g  .entle.nen  ,.n.vide  f),,.  themselves 
After  e„tK.e  I  v.s.t  tj.e  other  vessels;  ,.,.,!  in  the  evenin.  nlay 
n">^->tw,     ,     At    half>st  ei,ht   eold  „.eat  i.  bi^^hl 
...  -also  uu,e  fo..  whoever  will  .Iriuk.  and  heer-and  at  Tea 

;';f  ""  "'  ";  ^"  ^"  ''-'•  -'l  '-   this  ^.a-ner  one  da,  afte 
another  passes  liy.  •' 

•■  ('ai|tain  Foy  ..,es  fnwn  J)over  to  l.ondon  to  report  hin.self 
t"  the  k.n.    and   will    rejoin    me   at    J'ortsn.onth.       Fp..n   h 
-■nva     there        shall    be    transferred    to  a   n,an.o,:war'    ;" 

e-;-yUun,..n  1.  more  agreeably  arranged  fWr  n.v  eomtort. 

(reneral  Ua^e  retur.ied  tVon,  An.eriea  in  this  .^hip.  at  whieh 
t.   .0  .t  had  e.,ht  s,nall  ^tato-roon.s.  an  apartn.ent  fo/the  1    ^ 

^i^;^;\:'''''^-'7''''''''''''^^ ''!'•>.   will   be  a,ain«tteC 
uoa,th,sy..nshallhearindetailtVommeat.N.rtsmonth, 
-    Iso  o    the  eond.t,on  of  things  in  Ameriea.  and  of  the  safes 
'"Hi  M"H-kest  way  for  ,.s  again  to  «ee  oaeh  other." 

<)"   the  22d  the  rei,nin.  duke  writes,   hin.self   to   (;..„eral 
Iliedesel,  a.s  follow.s  :  ""n.u 

••  I'.ave  with  joy  seen  in  the  report  of  the  ma  jor  ,ene,.al  that 
the   nwuvh   has  projrressed   well.     May  (;„d  also  in  the  future 

..veulns     e.su.,.     The  answer  toy,...  ,,,,„,,.  is  here  inel,l: 

I  .efer  to  the  letter  of  <;.  H.  de  Ferr-mee  to  the  major  .eneral 
I  herewith  send  you.  also,  a  list  of  the  stattoffieers  .d' the  eor„s 
""«•  on  themareh;  thoseof  the  first  division  left  on   the  -)  h 

.dK.bruary.     To-day.  the  21st  of  M...,,.,  the  two  divisions;ke 
tlieir  departure. 

•■  I  have  received  nothinj:asy.,  fVon.  3Irs.  M,j,„.  ,;,,„,,,  ^,„^, 
1  have  ae,.ord,noIy  .sent  an  expre.ss  to  Wulfenbiittel.  who  has  not 
W^^u,,.ed.      r  hope  the  news  n.ay  be  ^ood.      i  shall  soo.; 

'  I.  c.  a  i^piiitiioiiH  li,ju,„-  (listillod  li-om  rici-. 


3fi 


MA.lOIt  GENERAL  lilEDESEL 


.send  it  to  you.  H„t  |  ,li.l  not  wisl,  t„  ,l,.l,,y  l„„-er  sending-  off 
tins  letter.  I  l.ave  received  the  report  of  yo,„-  I„,,tlier.  Wisli- 
uig  you  and  all  tlie  other  officers  success. 

"  I  remain,  etc.. 

•■<'jf.\i!M:,s, 
•'lluke  of  Uriinswick  liiincburt;'." 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Uiedesel.  who  remained  in  Brunswick 
J'Hd  Mecon.,,ani,.d  his  brother  as  far  as  8tade.  where  he  ren.ained 
unfl  after  the  end.arkation.  This  explains  the  reference  to  him 
m  tlio  two  letters  just  (juoted. 

OnleavingStade.the  Hnglish  Captain  Foy  took  the  command. 
Additional  details  .-re  given  in  the  following  letter  written  by 
the  general  to  ',  .ile.  f),..  .,5^,1  of  >rareh.  iron,  on  board  the 
i  alias : 


t'.V   HoAHI)  TMK   [».\r,r,AS.  opj.o.site 

Dover.  Minh  2(1.  177(J. 
■•  I  write  you  the  instant  we  come  in  sii-lit  of  the  Kn^-Jish 
coast.  Captain  hy.  who  goes  to  London,  will  post  this  letter 
from  that  city.  |  mention  to  you  with  .satisfaction  that  I  have 
not  been  unwell  a  nioment ;  still  le.^s  have  I  bec.n  ,^ea-sick  •  but 
o"  the  contrary,  have  had  a  good  appetite  and  good  sleep  thJ 
whole  t,me.  The  soldiers,  however,  an.l  also  n.y  servants,  have 
jnnstly  al  been  sick  and  yet  remain  so.  The  poor  cook  is  so 
1-1  that  he  cannot  do  the  least  work,  indeed,  he  cannot  even 
raise  his  head.  This  is  very  inconvenient,  since  Captain  Kov 
a.Klmy.«elfareoblige,l  to  attend  to  the  cooking,  which  would 
amuse  you  could  you  see  us. 

"  I  will  n(,w  give  you  a  brief  account  of  our  voya-e  Tliurs 
day,  we  sailed  Iron,  Stade  to  Fryburg.  It  was  a  mairnificent 
spectacle  to  see  the  beautiful  \illages  uj.on  both  banks  of  the 
stream,  (iliick.stadt.  a  fine  Danish  fortress,  we  left  upon  our 
right,  A\ewere  in  fine  spirits,  ate  and  drank  heartily,  and 
played  whist  in  tin;  eveiiiu"'. 


H 


/.V  rilK  .UIKIUCAX  JIEVOIATIO.W 


;57 


••  Fri'lM.v.  y,v,  lua.lc  sail  for  llit^rhiitt,.]  or  ('Mshavo,,.  whoro  wo 
iH.ve  to  at  ovtMiin.  i„  onior  to  land  and  «c-o  the  eitv.  ai.d  uImv  a 
rul)l)er  of  whist.  "' 

-Saturday  wo  went  to  soa  with  a  very  .vntlc  wind.  AV.. 
l.owov..r.  hardly  hdiovrd  that  wo  woro  at  soa.  Wo  wore  all  wcdl 
nml  c.;,f  w.lh  oroat  aj,,,..tit...  Kron.  the-  Ked  Ton.  whoro  the 
liMnovonan  pilots  loft  us.  I  wroto  you  my  last  lottor.  In  the 
•iftornoou.  lishern.en  from  llol-oland  cam,,  on  hoard  •nul  f 
houuht.  lor  tw,.  thalers.i  a  lar.e  oodfish.  twontv  Inuhlooks  and 
our  floundors.  which  I  could  not  have  ohtaini.!  in  Urunswh-k 
iM-  ten  thal.'rs.      Rainy  weather  now  came  .m. 

-Sunday  n,ornin.u'  we  had  a  heavy  fo^.   and  the  sea   hecame 
boisterous.     Two  jiuns  were  fired  from  our  shi,,  ,o  iudi,.ate  to 
the  other  ve.ssel.s  the  route  for  them   to  take.     The  f,,..-  now 
lifted,  the  wind  and  the  waves  rose,  hut  still  there  was  no  storn- 
^ow  all   were  .sick.     The  cook   could   not  cook.     .Miillcr  <-ould 
not    dress   me.      Valentine   could   find   nothin-       To  ,sum   up 
fii-eat    lamentation    and    -reat    hlunderin-    ar,'..se   on    all   sides' 
llun-ry.  I  had  nothing  to  eat.      Finally.  Captain  Fov  and  n.v- 
.self  cook.Ml  a  pea  soup  in  the  sailor's  kitchen,  and  eat  eohl  roast 
beef    which    made    up    our    wh.de    dinner.     The   .soldiers    eat 
nothing'. 

'■  -Monday  the  weather  was  somewhat  mild.n-.  and  .some  of  the 
people   became   better,   thouo-h    n.ost  of  them    remained   sick 
Taptain  Koy  and  I  once  more  cooked  a  portable  bouillon  soup 
=1  eod  with  anchovy  sauce,  a  ragout  from  n.ast  beef  and  a  piece 
of  roast  veal  with  potatoes. 

-Tuesday  we  ha.l  the  most  beautiful  wenthe.-  in  the  world 
and  a  few  of  the  people  became  again  well.  The  .soldiers  cooked 
for  them.selves.  but  (he  cook  still  could  do  nothin-.  Foy  and 
niy.self,  therefore,  again  did  the  eo..king.  We  ha,l  rice  .oup 
yellow  turnips  with  beef,  codfi.sh  with  anchovy  .sauce,  a..d  a' 
ragout  of  veal.     From  a  distance  one  could  see  land. 


'  A  thaler  i:<  sevciity-llvo  cents  iu  .Vniurican  iiumoy. 


38 


MA.K/i;  CESEllAL  lill'.DEHKl 


"To-day.  Wi'diicsdiiy.  w,.  iiru  opposite  Dnver.  Ciiptain  Foy 
goes  from  u.s  and  fakes  tliis  1,-tter  witl,  l,i,„.  Dcaivst  anf-ul, 
rcineuilu^'  tliat  every  one  may  l,e  siek  i.iMm  tlie  water  ;  co.tse- 
quently.  you  will  l.nve  very  little  hell)  'V.rni  your  servants. 
You  must,  therefore.  eh„ose  the  shortest  route  to  Enjiland.  I 
think  file  best  one  will  he  by  way  (.f  Calais. 

'•Captain  Foy  says  that  if  Que))ee  is  still  ours,  and  fliere  is  no 
Anioriean  army  this  side  .if  .Montreal,  not  only  he.  hut  (ioneral 
Carlefon.  ak..  will  have  his  wife  join  him.  "^  Vou  mu.st  p  ,q- 
tively  not  set  out  on  your  journey  before  tlu'y  (h,  — then  you 
can  aecompany  them  and  travel  with  more  sat'(>ty.  as  you  will 
have  eompany  and  attendance,  and  want  for  notliin-i." 

On  the  I'Sfh  the  flotilla  arrived  at  Spithead.  Hiedcsel  went 
into  the  city  to  pay  his  r.'speets  to  Admiral  Don-las  ami  ,«omc 
j-eiu'rals.  by  whom  he  was  received  with  -reat  courtesy.  A 
fi'iiard  was  statiotu'.l  in  front  ,,f  his  ,|uarters.  and  the  captains 
of  the  nuMi-of-war  waited  up.Mi  him.  The  kin-,  also,  hearing 
that  the  (ierman  general  and  hi.  sratt'  had  very  littk"  ro.nn  on 
their  ship  -ave  orders  to  have  their  (,narters  arranged  more 
comf..rtaldy.  In  eonse.,uence  of  this  order.  Hie.h.sel  was  obliged 
to  go  on  sh.n-e  the  following  day  and  take  lod-in-s  while  Hie 
alterations  in  the  interior  of  the  ship,  which  was  to'cmvey  liim 
to  America,  wre  niaking.  Thirty  .ship  carpenters  were  at  once 
set  to  w.n-k  in  the  ship;  and  with  such  good  effect,  that  in  a 
very  short  time  its  caliins  wore  an  entirely  dif]'erent  look  and 
were  furnished  as  c<nnf  .rtalily  as  j.ossible. 

On  the  2!tth  the -eneral  dined  with  .\dmiral  Dou-las-  and 
on  the  :50th  the  latt..r  took  hin.  all  over  the  harbor  and  showed 
hnn  tin.  entire  fleet  of  men-of-war.     The  co.nn.ander  .,f  the  ad- 


mira 


I's  sli 


ip  of  ninetv  u' 


return.    Hiedesel   invited  all  tl 


nns  gave  him  a  magnificent   ih 


who  had  called 
he  dined   with   tl 
(iambier.      lie  al 


10  cajitains  of  the  men-of 


Ijlitllrr. 


war 


ipon  him  to  dinner  at  his  hotel.     On  tl 


le  Hist 


on 


board.     The 


le  commissary  general  of  the  docks.  I.ord  de 
o  visited  all  the  ships  wiiich  liad  his  tr 


ips 


ime  .lay  the  regiment  of  llanau.  under  C.jlonel 


/.\-  TirE  AMh'itn  .[.\  itEYouriox. 


39 


^' '""•  ="■•■'^•'^^^1  i"  t''^'  '""••""•.      l{i.Ml,.s..|  ,,,Ils  tlu.,n  -M  |m,,u. 

tifiil  Inmi)." 

<»"  tlHi  1st  of  Ai,riK  A.lmirMl   |)„uoh,s  .u,,v..  ;.  .linnrr  to  tlu, 
<J<'niK.no,.,u.nil.,.,lmMnl,.ftho,Ml.nin,r.s«l,i,,.      When  I...  .n,..!,. 
lus   ap,,..MnMur   tlir  .mM.-ot-WMr  saiutc.l   Imn    i„   the   fnllnwi,,.^ 
Uiam.cr:  tl.c  „...,.  uvro  ..nl,.n.,l  ,.„  .Lck  „„.l  i.n.,s.,,tc.a  anus" 
and  the  ar.iiu.n.rs  k-at  a  inaid..     ( »„  tlu.  iM.  Kiede.sel  visited 
Jus  tran.s,M,rt  ships.     ()„  the  .sm,..  day.  Adn.iral  |)„„.l,,s  o,.ve  -, 
dinner   to   (ienerals    |},„ooyne  and    I'lnllips   who   inte.nh.,!   to 
aeeompany   Imn   to   AnuM-iea.      I!ied..s,.l    was  also  invi.e.l  ,o  it 
On  the  ?A.  the  eaptains  of  the  different  nien-of^war  ^ave  a  dinner 
t"  luedesel.     On  the  4th.  at  eleven  o'.-loek  in  the  n.ornin-   the 
s.KH.'.l  ot  departure  was  .-iven.     Adiniral  Douuias  or.ler,..!  liie- 
dosei   to  he  earrie,]   ,„  i,is  shi,,.   the    I'alias.   in   a   sloop-of-war 
(.eneral  Hni-oyn.-  went  .n.  hoard  tlie  iVij;ate  Blonde.  eonMnandc.d 
by  Captan,    IJrnnel ;  and   the  fleet,   eonsistinj;- of  thirtv  sailing' 
ves.sels.  hoisted  anehor. 

Thns  all  the  hon,n-s  Inlonuino^  to  his  rank  were  sin.wn  to  the 
(.ernian  j-eneral  on  Kndish  soil ;  and  nn.re  than  this,  as  we  hive 
soon  hy  the  many  dinners  an.!  .hjm.rr.  whieh  were -iven  in 
Ills  honin-  within  .so  short  a  time. 

l).mnK  the  voyage,  the  frigate  Jnno.  nnder  Captain  Dalrimple, 
took  the  lead  and  formed  the  advanee.  Then  eame  the  sixteen 
slnps  havino.  the  Urnnswiekers.  followed  hy  four  with  the  troops 

from  llanan.  six  with  the  Kndish  artillery,  and  two  transports. 

11.0     riuate   l}|,mde.   with   thirty-si.v  ea n.   formed  the   rear 

On   the  evenin.u'of  the  .s.me  day  the  fleet   reaehed  I'lvmouth' 

."    only  .-eniained  there  lon.u-  e uh  to  take  the  si.v  ships  whieh 

l..-.d  the  L>l,stHn,lish  regiment  on  hoard.      It  will  thns  he  seen 
that  the  fleet,  upon  leaving  the  eoast  of  Kn,land.    nnml.ered 
tlurty-six  sailiii-'-  vessels. 

On  board  of  (ioneral  Uiede,.<.rs  ship,  heside  himself  were  the 
foUownig  persons:  1st.  Captain  Foy  of  the  Knolish  artilh.rv  as 
eomnnssary  of  the  troops  in  ( 'anada.  2,1.  Captain  Ilenseh.  Com- 
mander of  the  transport  ships.     \\y\.  Capt,i„  Ka.non.ston  of  the 


m 


40 


UA.lDll  (iKSKIlM,  l,'/K/)/:'SFL 


jliinrd.  wild  wax  ^Ivcn  to  Hieilt'scl  iih  mljiitimt.  4tli.  Ciiptaiii 
(lorlacli  (iT  I5rmiswi<'k  in  tlici  caiiacity  "f  <iiiartor  master  ucncral. 
fjtli.  Till'  I5riiiis\vick  LiiMitciiaiit  Clcvc.  as  adjutant,  tllii.  Tlie 
Held  treasurer  ( Jiideeke.  7tli.  ('a|ilain  cil' cavalry.  l''rieke.  edni- 
niandi'r  (if  itiedeserssiniadron  of  the  reuinient  uf'drapions.  Slji, 
Seeretarv  lianiiineier.    !>tli.  Captain  I5ell.  cDinniander  cd'tlie  sliiji. 

A  ciiniliirtalile  ealiiii  and  Ited-riKini  liad  liei'ii  provided  for  the 
;:-eneral.  ()ii|iosi(e.  were  similar  aceomniodatioiis  for  Cajilain 
l*'oy.  besides  the  state-room  for  the  officers  there  were  four 
smaller  ealiins  for  Kdmonston.  Ifeusch.  Midi  and  ( iiidicke.  The 
caliin  for  liiedesel's  attendiints  was  so  larp'  that  twenty  jierson.s 
could  easily  dine  in  it.  On  tiu'  sides  were  five  stnali  rooms  tiir 
the  rest  of  the  officers,  it  was  not  known  at  the  time  of  Icav- 
injr  KuLiiand  whether  or  not  t^ueliee  would  hold  out  until  tlu! 
arrival  of  tlu'se  troo|is.  in  the  former  ease,  the  Brunswick  and 
Hessian  troo]is  were  to  lie  disemliarked  there;  in  the  latter, 
another  jiiace  for  disemliarkiiiL;'  was  desii;uated  on  the  isle  of 
Conde. 

'i'he  voyaiic  continued  |iros]ierons ;  the  wind  was  generally 
favoralile.  the  men  were  nicidy  provided  lor  and  not  too  clos(dy 
fiai'-ed;  and  the  health  of  all  was.  on  the  whole,  very  siood. 
'i'lie  soldiers  W(!re.  thereliire.  always  joyful  and  in  line  spirits. 

On  th"  morninu'  of  the  1  (ith  of  .May.  the  continent  of  .\merica 
was  for  the  first  time  visihle.  l5ona  \'entura  and  Caiie  (ias]ie 
were  liefore  them.  .\  izi'iieral  rejoieinu'  arose  on  all  the  ships, 
the  decks  of  which  were  alive  with  soldiers,  uazinu  with  stranue 
feelintis  upon  the  new  world.  The  weather.  howi'Ver.  was 
unfortunately  cold  and  rainy,  and  prevented  those  on  hoard 
from  seeing:'  clearly  at  a  distanct'.  'i'he  sea.  also.  w;is  hij:h  and 
the  wind  chanuealile.  On  the  morniui;' of  the  ITth.  the  coast  of 
Anticdsti  came  in  siulit.  with  its  mountain.s  still  covered  with 
smiw.  'I'his  is  an  island  helonjiinjr  to  Newfoundland.  .Vt  the 
present  day  it  contains  over  five  thousand  inhaliitants ;  hut  at 
that  time  there  was  only  a  small  colony  on  the  western  side. 
On    the  2()th.   (J rand  point    was  visilile.       it   had  snowed  the 


/\  Till-:  AMHincAX  ItEVDlATIOX. 


\\ 


';'-''^  l"'«'.ii'ns,  ; tlu.  or „1  WMs  MOW  fro.,.,,   h.nl.     ()„   x\w, 

-''^-  ''"'  ' f  •'■"  '"  ^^i'l'  ■•'  "MTcliM.it  v..ss(.|.  ,,,1(1  l,.nn„..l  fnmi 

It  tliiit  Qucl.iMt  WMH  sfill  i„  pussossi ftho  Ki.trlisli.  u.i.K.r  il,,. 

eoin.uan.l   of  (;,.„..n.l   ('Mrlct,,,,.      TI...    Knolish    tVioato    Xiu,.,- 
was  met  fi  i;.w  hcmrs  aCf,.,-.  sailin-  t'n.n,  Q,,,.)),.,.  to  Halifax,  and 
liMvin.u  on  l,uanl  tl,irty-tw„  ..an.ions.     Throuj-h  Iut.  arMitional 
news  was  uhtaim..!  in  irlation  to  cvchts  in  an,l  aroim.l   (,>m.l„.c 
-Itinn^  tlR.  winter.     Tl...  Knniish  (imeral  CarL.ton  l.a.l  ahva.ly 
a.spatc.l.,..]  a   n-i-ato  to   Kn.ulan.l   will.    news,   winch,   however 
•"""  ""'  li'll«'ii  in  with  the  fhrt.      In    the  afternoon   the  flotilla' 
entered  the  hay  of  St.    Lawrenee.       On   the  2lM.   tl„.   v,.ss,.|h 
owmj,-  to  an  unfavorahle  wind,  were  ohli.v.l  to  ta.^k   th.  entire' 
'ky.     On  the  _':!.!.  an  aeei.lent  happened.     Two  Kn^lish  .soldiers 
iel  ,nto  the  water  and  were  drowned  in  siuht  of  their  eou.panion.s 
who  were  unalde  ,o  .save  then..     At  si.x  oVIoek.  on  tl...  evnin..  of 
flu.  -'.-.th.  the  IsK.  I'i,.  ,.„n,e  in  si^ht,  and  the  ships  ea.st   anehor 
M  short  d.slan.r  fron.  it.      ij.,,.  they  reniain.Ml  the  whoh..d'tho 
hdlowin.u-  day.  the   weatlnM'   hfin-  very  stormy.       The   -encral 
employ,.!  the  tin.e  in  -oino.  „„  th..  mn.d.ahited  island  of  whieh 
he  oives  a  short   deseription.'       .Vftrrward    he   visited  (Jeneral 

Huruoyne  .m  hoar.l   the   HI j,..   just   as   the   latter   was   ahout 

fiou.o-   on    the    Surpri.s..  in   a,lvanee  to  Quel.ee.      At   n.idni-ht 
"i    the  2<th   the  sliij.s  wei-hed  anehor.      Thov  passed  (ireen 
island    early    in    the    m.-rnino..    and    shortly    at'ter   pa.s.s,.d   the 
first  .settlement  on    the    strean..       On    the  28th.   the   fleet    was 
ohhued  aoain  t..  east  anehor  n,.ar  the  Isl.  aux  ("ondres  in  order 
to  take  a  pilot  .m  hoard,  as  the  navigation  of  the  river  was  very 
danj^erous  on  aeeount  of  ro.ks.     Owin^  to  an  unfavorahle  wind 
tlH' ships  lay  there  all  day.      Here  they   learned   that  owin.-  to 
reenforcemei.ts  liavinn-  arrive,!  on  the  (ith  -.f  May   the    Vn'ieri 
cans  Iml  retreated  from  the  vieinity  of  Quehee.  ami  fidlen  back 
up,.n  .Montreal,  do.sely  jmrsued  by  (ieneral  Carleton 


'  Kor  thin  dosoriptioii  see  appciKlix-. 

6 


42 


M.Uni!  flEXKIIM.  ItlKDFsfU. 


At  nix  (I'cliick  ill  tlic  rvi'iiiiii;  111'  till'  1st  III'  .rune,  tlu'  tli'i't 
urrivcil  s.il'i'Iy.  iil'tfr  ii  li'ilimis  \ii_vii;:i',  at  (^lU'lu'i-.  (li'iicriil 
Ciirlt'toii.  wliii  li.'iil  ipiijy  two  (liiys  jiri'vinii.slv  rciiinicil  I'l'inii  liis 
jxirsuit  III' llic  ri'lii'ls.  wms  iiL:,iiii  in  tinit  I'ity-  Uifilcsi'l  iniuii'ill- 
iitciy  l;inili'il  in  nnlcr  tn  ic|iiiit  to  liini.  Carli-lnii  rcueiviMl  him 
in  a  very  I'licnilly  nianiii'i'.  anil  aski'il  him  to  diniMT  on  tlic 
following-  ilay.  Of  this  i;i:ni'ral.  IJicili'scl,  in  a  Ifltcr  to  liis  wife, 
(lati'il  June  H.  jrivcs  a  pi'tMiliar  pictiin'.  ■•  In  onhT,  "  lie  writes, 
"  to  uet  an  iiU'ii  ol'  liis  jier.sonal  apiiearanee.  imaj;in(!  the  Ahbot 
■Teriisaieni.  'I'lio  liiiui'e.  t'aee.  walk  anil  soiunl  of  his  viiii'e  are 
just  like  the  aliliot's,  and  hail  lie  the  lilack  suit  anil  wijr.  one  could 
not  diseover  the  least  diU'erenco."  '  While  yet  on  hoard  the 
I'allas.  (leiieral  liiedesel  wrote  out  ordci's  which   were   to  reiiu- 

late  till millet  and  disei]ilim?  of  his  corjis.  and  jiave  a  eojiy  to 

the  eiiinmander  of  oaeli   battalion   a.s  soon   as  the   troops  were 
disenihavked. 

On  the  2il.  the  ireiieral  viewed  the  six  Imndred  Anierieau 
prisoners  whom  Cirleton  liad  captured  in  his  last  (diase.  He 
then  visiled  the  <Mininiandei'  of  the  fieri  at  that  piaee.  ('olliliio- 
ihiie  l>iinulas,  hy  whom  lie  was  saluted  on  his  departure  witii 
thirteen  uuns.  The  Ud,  wliieli  was  his  hirth-day.  Iiiedesid 
passed  on  hoaril  of  his  own  ship.  On  the  Ith.  the  hirth-day  of 
thp  kiiiii'  of  Knufland  was  eeiehrated  ;  on  the  inoniinu'  of  which 
day.  the  ui'iieral.  aei(iiii|iaiiieil  liy  all  tlie  otiieers  of  his  corps, 
waited  on  the  eiimniaiidinir  i;'eneral. 

On  the  same  day  he  received  from  (Jeneral  Carleton  the 
command  of  a  separate  corps,  a  distinction   which   was  entirely 


unexpected 


Thi^ 


corps,   w 


liicl 


1    cons 


stcd  of  an    Mnylish  hat- 


talioii.  the  Mniiiswick  liattalion  of  Lirciiadiers.  liie  reiriment  of 
l{i(;desel.  one  hiinilred  and  fifty  Canadians  and  three  hundred 
Indians,  was  to  bo  statiiinod  further  up  the  river,  bi'tween  (^iie- 
liec  and  Montreal.     Accordiiifilv  it  bciian  its  march  on  the  "(th  ; 


'  The  nt)t)ot  lioru  mentioiietl,  wns  the  tutor  of  tlie  liori'ditnry  prince.  Clinrles 
William  FerUluund. 


% 


/.v  Tin:  AMHiiicw  iih:v(ii,riiit.\. 


V.\ 


Imt  .m  .l.i,H  si.l..  ..(•  L„k..  ClnMuplMin  ...,t,Mi  ...u-in.v  wnst„  |„.  s,..,,. 

rill)  rejfiiiK.iif  .iCdrnpHms  wciv  tc  iviiiiiin  i.t  (^.u'l.c... 

Kiodtwl  h,„i.  .l.iiiM;:  (|„.  wln.l,.  „(■  ,ln.  ,i„„.,  k..,,(  u|,  m  .■„„- 
«fMMt  ronv>,,„n(l,..,r,.  will,  his  I,,.,,....  I  II..  n.viv..,!  I..,t,..s  tW„» 
;''"  '''''^"'•'    ""■   ""'^-    l'"'''liN.iiHl.  a,„l   tiM.  iM.n.litMrv  |M•iM...^ 

Ilio  lattor.  shnrfV  aft,..-  tl,..  .|,.,»utiM ffj,,.  M,.,mswi,"k  truoj.s 

1""1  'vtunKMl  t„  his  l'r„ssi,-,.,  n-iinnit  a(  ll„il..,s.,„ll.  ||,.  uaH 
'"  <l"'  li.'il'it  .>(•  attciKJii,-  tl,..  si.iMiiK.r  .inii  ,„m|  tli..  ••  (all  nm- 
"u-inn..."  at  l'..t,s.iam.  afl.T  whirl,  h,.  wnuM  ....(nrn  to  I{n,„s. 
wi-k   ami   take  part  in   the  affair.s  nl'  the  a.lM.inis.ralinn.      ||o 

f'.-.k  H,,eeial   interest    in   ,|,e  „ ,,s  i,,    Anieriea.  and  therefore, 

wnite  fre.juent  and  Inn-  letters  tn  |{iedi..s,.|. 


It  IS  n..t   intended  to  .ive  in  this  w„rk  a   .letailed  and   - 

neeted  aee..unt  of  the  distant  war  in  North  Ann,  ,,,  —  the 
spaee  in  these  loaves  is  too  sn.all.  Yet  we  ..annot  onut  eastin- 
a  dance  over  th..  se..no  as  it  apiu.ared  at  the  tin.c  when  the 
alM.ve  n.entKu.ed  reenforeenients  arrived  at  Qnehee. 

The  eonjiress  at  I'hiladelidiia  had.  ,.n  the  i:,th  ,d' June    1775 

appointed   (leneral    Washington ...ander  in  ..hief  of  all  the 

North  Anu-riean  tor.-,.s.     A  Letter  .d.oie, uld  not  have  been 

made;  for  it  was  o.dy  thron,^,  the  talent  for  or^:ani/i„..-  and 
the  other  eapahilities  of  this  ^reat  n.an.  that  ord.M-  and  eoneert 
"f  aet,on  was  finally  infnsed  into  th,.  hastily  pieked  up  mass. 

It  wa.s  determined  by  the  Hritish  n.inistry  that  n..ston  should 
at  once  be  attacked  on  the  land  side.  In  the  fall  of  1775  (ienc- 
ral  (Ja-e  had  surrendered  the  command  of  that  city  to  General 
Howe.  who.  bein-  u.uible  to  defend  it.  surren.lered  it.  in  March 
.'1  the  toMowinjr  year,  to  th..  .\n,erieans  and  retreated  to  flalifa.x 
Another  American  corps,  under  .Montoo,,,,,.,-.  ha.l  inva.led 
(  anada  the  latter  part  of  1775.  and  captured  several  forts  and 


^s^rr;;;::;:^^i:£^«'^'''"'-'- 


44 


MA  J  on  O  EN  Eli  A  L  RIEDESEL 


Pa; 


hamlets.  After  tlie  Aiiieiieiiii  (Jeiieral  Arnold  had  united  his 
coriis  to  the  inviidiiii;  army.  .Montunmery  made  [iroparations  for 
the  caiiture  of  Qiieliec.  This  important  jilaee.  however,  was 
bravely  and  sueeessfidly  defended  by  Cieneral  (\'irleton  ;  and  in 
an  abortive  assault  u]ion  the  citadel  the  licneral.  eommandin<: 
the  AmeiMcans.  UK't  his  dt^atli.  The  .Vnu'rieans  immediately 
vacated  Canada  to  a  Lireat  extent  ;  and  this  was  the  position  of 
affairs  when,  in  the  summer,  the  reenforeenients  arrived. 

The  foUowini;  plan  of  oj)erations  was  now  drawn  up  by  the 
IJritish.  'J'he  Americans  were  to  be  at.acked  at  tlirce  points, 
viz:  Clinton  was  to  invade  the  southern  colonies:  liurjioyne 
was  to  clear  Canada  of  the  rebels;  and  Howe,  with  the  nniin 
army  of  thirty  thousand  men  (includinji-  twelve  thousand  Hes- 
sians )  was  to  occupy  New  York  city,  and  thence  form  a  junetitui 
with  (ieneral  ]{uij:<iyne  at  Albany.  Clinton  had  started,  in 
tlu  bejiinnin";- of  June,  for  Charleston,  where  \u'  was  to  lie  sup- 
po''ted  })V  I'jUulish  shijis;  but  the  American  (ieneral  liCe, 
inaMo-uvred  .so  adroitly  that  the  British  were  repulsed  and 
(>')li;ied  to  retreat  to  New  York,  (leiu'ral  |{ur<:dyne  performed 
his  part  with  more  su<"cess  ;  for  lie  drove  the  .\mericans  as  far 
back  as  l^ake  Champlain  where  tlu'  enemy  had  an  armed  flotilla. 
IJefore.  however.  Huruoyne  could  iniite  with  (ieneral  Howe,  as 
ajireed  upcni.  he  would  have  to  destroy  this  flotilla,  and  capture 
some  forts.  This  necessitated  tlic  buildiufi-  of  vessels.  Howe, 
in  the  meantime,  left  Halifa.x  and  occujiied  Staten  island. 

The  chief  base  of  cijierations  for  those  ti'oojis  which  were  des- 
tined for  Canada  uTider  IJunioyne  (under  whose  command  was 
also  Hiedosel)  was  the  river  St.  Lawrence.  This  lar^i'  river  has 
its  origin  in  Lake  Ontario,  and  is.  in  fact,  the  outlet  of  that  lake 
into  the  sea.  It  has  a  ureat  de]ith  of  water,  and  runs  in  a  north- 
easterly direction,  until,  when  near  (Quebec,  it  forUiS  a  bay  wliieh, 
widening'  more  and  more  as  it  approaches  the  ocean,  is  at  its 
mouth  twenty  miles  wide.  .Much,  therefore.  de|iended  on  the 
po.ssession  of  the  fortified  places  and  fort.'*  on  this  stream  and 
on  its  numerous  islands  of  which  .^iontreal  was  the  most  import- 


I 


/.V  THE  AMEmCAN  ItEVOLUriOX. 


45 


ant ;  and.  accordingly,  the  Enoli.sli  l.ad  l)uilt  nmre  ..r  less  stmno- 
forts  along  its  entire  length.     Lake  Chan.plain,  with  it.s  .nitlet" 
was  the  base  of  operations  between  iMontreal  and  xVew  York.' 
Thi.s  lake,  which  is  (uie  hundred  and  seven  miles  long  and  three 
wide,  extends  from  ,s<,ut]i  t..  n..rth.  between    Lake  Ceorge  and 
Lake  St.  Pierre,   through  the  river   Hi<.l.eliew,'  and  flows  into 
the  latter,  which,  in  fact,  is  nothing  but  an  extension  of  the  8t. 
Lawrence.     On  the  left  shore  of  this  river  and  this  lake  are 
various  forts  and  fortified  places.     F,u-t  Chamblv.  Fort  St.  John 
I'oint  aux  Fer,  Fort  Ticonderoga,  and  on  the  right  .shore,  near 
wliei'c  the  Chambly  flows  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  tlie  city  of  Sorel. 
Towards  the  ocean  are  se\eral  islands,  the  largest  .•f  whicli  are' 
La  .Motte.   Long  island,  and  (irand  i.sle.     Let  us  now  return  to 
the  ojjerations  of  (Jeneral  liiede.«el. 

Sailing  from  Tliree  Rivers  with  his  troops,  he  landed  at  Her- 
gere,  and  arrived  on  the  22d  of  June,  at  La  Prairie.  Thence 
he  writes  t(j  J)uke  Ferdinand,  as  follows : 

'li.v  I'h.mhik.  Jinii  22.  1776. 
••  Mon.seigneur :  We  are  at  this  place  masters  of  the  whole 
province  of  Canada  ;  and  I  feel  confident  that  the  go-.d  fi.rtune, 
which  has  attended  our  troops  thus  far.  will  cau.se  y.ni  to  rejoice.' 
If  we  had  enough  ships  and  sloops  of  war  in  which"  to  cro.ssLake 
Champlain  we  would  .soon  be  in  rear  of  the  colonies.  ]hn  as  we 
are  in  need  of  the  nio.st  necessary  thing  fbr  cro.ssing.  and  as  all 
our  vessels  are  yet  to  be  built,  this  delay  will  lo.se  us  three  weeks 
and  materially  in.pede  our  ])rogress.  '  At  the  .s.n.e  tinu'.  how- 
ever, it  will  do  much  towards  restoring  the  health  of  the  troops, 
who.  in  conse(,uence  of  hardshij.s  and  poor  fare,  are  much 
exhaustecL 

'■  We  have  left  the  ships  without  taking  any  of  our  luggage, 
as  the  teams  re(,uired  for  transporting  it  were  needed  for'"i)ther 


I  This  liver  had  vni-iuii>.  immc,..    It  «uk  also  called,  the  Sorcl.  Chamblv  and  s. 
John  river. 


46 


iiAJon  gkxkhal  ihedesel 


purposes.  Wo  liavc  inarcliiMl  al)out  fourteon  miles  in  three 
(lays;  (liiiiii-  tlu'  wlioie  (if  wliicli  journey  myself  and  the  other 
officers  were  (il)ligea  to  <>-o  on  foot.  This  is  the  seventh  clay  that 
I  have  worn  the  same  shirt  and  .^toekinus.  At  first  it  was  di.sa- 
greeahh'.  hut  we  stood  it.  All  the  officers  manifest  the  very  hcst 
spirit,  and  our  troops  are  the  strontrest  and  have  the  fewest  sick. 
••  I  am  very  happy  to  he  under  the  command  of  (Jenoral  Carle- 
ton,  lie  manifests  snch  a  contempt  for  the  reliels.  that  1  feel 
sure  that  we  shall  soon  attack  and  j-et  the  hest  of  them. 

•■  I  commend  myself  etc.. 

'•  KlKDE.SF.r,." 


When  Riedesel  arrived  at  l.a  Prairie,  the  .\mericans  were 
stilljn  po.ssession  of  Sorel ;  hut  hearint;'  of  his  a])proach  with  a 
corps  of  lour  thon.sind  men.  they  evacuated  their  important 
position.  From  this  day  forth.  ( ieneral  Riede.sel  caused  a  careful 
journal  of  events  to  be  kept  l)y  his  .\djutant  ('|cve--a  journal 
that  was  continued  until  the  year  177!>.  I'p  to  the  time  of 
landing'  at  Quehec.  he  liad  kejit  it  liiniscif 

On  the  22d  of  .hine.  (ieneral  Carleton  <;ave  orders  that  the 
bajiuajic.  which  was  still  upon  the  transport  ships,  should  be 
sent  to  the  troops,  and  th;it  the  ships  sh(udd  return  to  Kndand. 
The  adjntant  u-eneral  of  (ieneral  Carleton.  .Major  Maestre,  bein"' 
about  to  return  to  Knuland.  Hii'de.sei  sent  those  of  his  despatches 
and  letters  that  were  destined  tor  Kurope.  to  .Montreal. 

The  Kn,t;lish  troops,  accordini;- to  the  orders  of  (Jcneral  Carle- 
ton. wi're  to  encamp  in  the  ioliowini;'  manner: 

The  liriiiiule  of  (u'lieral  I'raser  was  to  take  the  place  of  the 
jiarrison  of  St.  .lohn.  and  be  so  stationed,  that  the  ■irenadiers 
wipuld  be  nearest  the  ford;  the  L'lM  Heiiinient  on  the  road  to 
Chambly  ;  and  the  li,i>ht  infantry  on  the  mad  to  La  IVairie. 

(iordon's  bri.^ade,  with  the  exception  of  the  2!)th  llejiiment 
which  remained  in  .Montreal,  was  to  einamp  behind  Fraser's 
lifiht  inl'antry  on  the  same  road  as  far  as  La  Frairie.  Hack  of 
the   2Uth.   Ki.sboth's    brigade    was   placed;    and    behind   thciu 


I 


/.V  rilE  AMKIilVAX  liKVOirTIOX. 


47 


M-nin.  tlio  In-ipul."  of  ({..woll  at  JJdleville.  T]u>  Mrtillcrv  was  t.i 
ri'inain  iit  .^t.  ('liark-j-.  a  ]mr,soniij>e  between  l}..iu-herv'ille  and 
Fort  (Miaiiibly. 

Kicdesel's  l.rijiaile  was  to  eneainp  at  I.a  I'rairie  aiul  tlie  par- 
sonage belono-ino.  to  it.  Hy  this  aiTan-enient.  it  was  tli-n.-l.t 
tliat  one  corps  would  be  able  to  >upi)ort  the  otlier. 

On  tiie  I'-kli.  Hiedesel  and  iiis  staff  witnessed  at  tlie  bead 
quarters  in  .Montreal,  a  sidit  of  j.eenliar  interest.  AVe  will 
give  it  licre  m-hathn  as  it  is  written  down  in  bis  Journal : 

■•  (ieneral  Hiedesel.  aeeonipanied  by  all  of  his  staff,  went  to-,lay 
to  hea,l  .juarters  in  .A[ontreaI,  to  be  ,,resent  a.  a  n>eetinu-  between 
tieneral  Carleton  and  all  the  nations  of  wild  men.  sinee,  in  order 
to  make  it  as  impressive  as  possible,  all  the  ehief  officers  ,.f  the 
army  were  expressly  invite.l  to  attend.  The  ebiefs  of  the  .s„ 
called  lr(„,unis  nation,  namely:  many  of  the  Onantais.  Anajutais 
Xonl:,p,ahn.,ues.and  Kana.stoladi.  nu-t  at  si.v  o'clock  in  tlie  eve' 
ini.u-.  in  the  oKl  church  of  the  .)..s„its  which  had  been  ex,,ress|v 
prepared  for  the  o,.casion.  Th,"  hid.  .-huir  was  <-nvered  with  cat' 
pets.  ui.on  which  were  placed  a  row  of  stools.      |„  the  cciitre  w.s 

a  hnne  arm-chair  for  (b.vr ■(  Jeneral  Carleton.  who  durin..  the 

whole  of  the  meetin,u  kept  his  hat  upon  his  head.      Hehind'  bin. 
was  a  table,  near  which  sat  the  adjutant  -enerals.  Captains  \\,y 
and  Carleton.  who  served  as  se.-retaries.    There  were  al.so  ben.d.es 
upon  whnd.  sat  three  In.ndred  wild  nien.  with  their  pipes  liohtcl' 
Every  nation  had  its  chief  and  interpreter,  the  latter  actim.'  as 

spokcsmanandtranslatin,!;  into  French  all  that  was  .Slid  to  (Iene- 
ral Carleton.     In  .n'der.  howver.  that  thcrt uht  be  no  mistakes 

or  m,sunder.standin,us.  (ien.'ral  Carleton  had.  also,  his  interpre- 
ter. Thus  each  nation  spoke  fur  it.self  The  substance  of  what 
they  said  was.  that  they  had  heard  the  rebels  had  risen  a..ainst 
the  Knj:lish  nation;  that  th..y  praised  the  valor  of  (ieneral 
Carleton  as  shown  in  frustratin.u  the  desiu-ns  „C  ,he  enen.v  •  that 
they,  therefor...  loved  and  c.^t.vn.ed  him.  and  that  they  ha.l 
come  to  „rter  their  services  a-ainsi  th<.  nO.els.  Those  Indians 
of  8t.   Louis,  who   lived    nearest   to  the    Knj;lish   settlements 


48 


M A.I  on  OhWEIiAL  lilEDESEL 


about  four  Icasuos  t'roiii  \.i\  Prairie,  were  blamed  for  hitherto 
roiuaiiiiiijr  neutral,  and  n<it  enibraeiii;;'  tlie  ^-idc  of  the  Kiijzlisli 
at  tiu'  outbreak  of  the  rebellion.  They.  Imwever.  laid  the  blame 
uitim  an  old  man.  aged  eighty,  but  who  had  very  wisely  stayed 
at  home,  and  thus  could  not  answer  fur  himself.  All  these 
nations  were,  therefore,  engaged  for  one  year,  and  had  their 
po.sts  assigned  them,  liefore  leaving  they  all  jiassed  by  (leneral 
Carleton,  shaking  hands  with  him  and  the  rest  id"  the  officers. 
The  evening  and  night  were  spent  by  them  in  feasting  and  danc- 
ing, which  had  already  lasted  several  days.  They  liad  brought 
with  them  a  few  scalps  of  rebels  whom  they  had  killed,  and  with 
which  they  honored  Generals  Carleton,  Uurgoyne  and  I'hilliiis." 
The  troops  were  taken  care  of  in  the  best  manner  not  oidy 
in  their  ijuarters,  but  wherever  it  coiUd  be  done.  This  was 
the  case  with  the  German,  a,s  well  as  the  English  soldiers. 
Each  man  received,  besides  bread  and  vegetables,  one  pound 
and  a  half  of  meat.  The  (lernian  troo])s  received  exactly  the 
same  monthly  addition  to  their  pay  as  the  Kuglish.  The  follow- 
ing list  will  show  the  particulars  : 


Hunk. 


Colonel 

Lieutenant  Colonel 

.Miijor 

A<IJlltMllt 

Cliii])lain  and  Auditor 

Siirircoii  .Major 

Camp  Sui'ircoii 

IIaiitl)ov  .Slusician 

Ca|itaiM 

J^ieutenant, 

P'nsijjM 

Scrjreant 

Xoii-coinnilssioncd  Otflccr, 

Cor|ioral 

nrunniier 

Kxenipt 

Private 

Officer's  Servant 


i\ 

rs 

a 

B 

'^    ; 

3 

" 

^ 

X 

17 

10 

8 

18  t 

(i 

r^ 

(i       8 


1 
\'i 

a 

4 
1 

1 
1 
1 


o 
10 
15 
10 
15  i 
17 
Id 

4 

1 
l!» 


5 
10 

8 
7 

«! 
9 


10      111      — 


^ 

s 

i 

.§P 

r 

d 

i 

3 

,* 

c 

■■a 

'^ 

^ 

^ 

fL, 

1 

„ 

105 

10 

H 

3 

= 

52 

10 

2 

;ii 

= 

:): 

18 

11 

;t 

= 

•,'!) 

18 

7 

m 

= 

:!H 

•) 

7 

;i 

= 

;jO 

It 

8 

'■Jf 

= 

18 

21 

+ 

1 

= 

8 

0 

ft 

8 

= 

75 

12 

8 

3i 

= 

ii5 

0 

4f 

■V 

= 

28 

0 

1 

2 

= 

0 

22 

5 

:{ 

— 

8 
0 

4 

!» 

3 
3 

1 

= 

4 

li» 

11 

°"  1 

4 

18 

1 

— 

4 

3 

4 

I 


/.V  THE  AMEIIKAN  llF.YOUTKiX. 


49 


The  Icisiiri;  tiino  wliiki  in  cam])  was  cnijiloycd  in  (Irillin-   tlu! 
rocTiiits  and  those  wlio  had  l.ccn  sicii  a  hin-  tiniu.     Tlicsc fxcr- 
oisi's  lasted  daily  three  limirs.  -enci'ally  from  five  t,.  ciuht  in  tln^ 
mornin-      On  the  l'(ith.  (ieneral  Carlet.m  tran«ferred  his   head 
-luarters  t(p  Chamhly.  (Ml  the   river  ..f  the  same   name  ..|,|M,site 
-Montreal,      (ienerals  Huriroyne  and  I'hillips.  also,  aeeompanied 
him   thither.      For   common    vessels  on   the   rivers   they   used 
cam.es  made  rd'the  hark  of  trees  exactly  similar  to  those  Of  the 
wild  men.      They  were  very  li-ht.  and.  in  the  event  of  a  mandi. 
could  be  tak.Mi  out  of  the  water  and  carried.      This  was  oft.m  the 
ca.se    when    there   were   rapids    in    the   stream.       On    the   27th. 
(^iptaintlerlach.as.iuarter  master -eneral.  was  sent  to  St.  .(.dm 
to   inspect   that    fort    and    make   a   sketch    of   the   surronndin- 
country.      .V  few  days  later  he  was  appoint.".!  assistant  commis- 
sary of  the  (iernian  troops,  in  which  capacity  he  was  ohIi-.Ml  to 
sec  to  their  maintenance.     The  .\meri.-ans   iia.l  ma.le  dreadful 
havoc  at  i^t.  John.  ami.  hefore    th.'ir  d.'parture.   had  entir.dy 
demolished   two   hons.'s  h,.|on-in,u   to   th.^    Hnnlish    Lieut.man't 
C(.l..nel  Chri.stie.      Maj.ir  Carleton.  a  eonsin  of  the  .•omman.lin- 
general,  aete.l  as  .|uarter  master  -eneral  iWr  the  Kn-lish  troops.i 
On  the   L'!»th.  Captain    (Jcrlach   was  ...-nt  to  Chamldv  for  the 
I)urpo,se  of  inspecting  that  fort  likewi,.e.      He  found  it  not  only 
in  a  Letter  condition   than  tho.-..  he  had   previously  inspecte.l. 
but  its  situation  of  much  more  importance.     This  fort  lies  in  a 
northerly  direction  from  Lake  Champlain.  on  that   part  of  the 
Chaml)ly  river  wh.'re   rapids  ureafly  impe.le   navigation.      The 
water,  running  over  rocks,  is  h.'re  hut  one  foot  and  a  half  d.'cp. 
Flat  bottomed  boats,  built  expressly  for  the  purj.ose.  are  useil  for 
crossing  this  .spot.     Thi^  fort  was.  ther.dore.  very  appropriat.dy 
called  the  key  to  Lake  Champlain  from  th.'  north.     As  no  teams 
coul.l  be  pnjcured  to  transport  the  baggage  t.i  the  troops  from 


■  This  wax  probably  the  raptaiii  Oulrton  i-hVitwI  Io  a  l,.«  |w.r,.s  back  a-  otHci 
atlng  08  secretary  at  the  Indian  incctini.'. 


50 


M.uoit  (,'h:.\f:nAL  iiiKi)h:si-:i. 


Qnc})Of,  the  shijis  wi'V,"  ..hlij.-,.,!  to  o.,  ,,s  fiiv  ii).  ns    .Montreal,  at 

wliieh  pdiiit  majiaziiifs  wciv  hiiilt. 

(Iciiural  KieJusiil  visited  a  tribe  of  liidiaiLs  at  t lie ir  village  on 

the  IM  (if  July.     We  will  here  give  an  account  of  it  as  it  i.s 

written  down  in  the  above  named  journal : 

•  We  went  to-day  to  the  Indian  village  on  the  8aut  8t.  Louis, 
called  in  their  language  Kagnohangue.  situated  four  leagues  from 
here.     On  our  arrival  we  were  met  by  the  oldest  of  the  tribe. 
They  had  turned  out  with  flags  and  formed  two  lines  between 
which  we  were  (.bliged  to  j.ass.     They  saluted   us  with  a  dis- 
charge of  a  small  cannon  and  fire  arms.      We  inspected  their 
church,  which  is  presided  over  by  a  Jesuit,  and  in  which  every- 
thing is  of  silver.     Their  cabins  arc  in  a  bad  condition  and  full 
of  Kith.     They  raise  nothing  but  corn,  which  they  jircpare  in 
dift'erent  ways  for  food.     Tlu-ir  chief  labor  .  onsists  in  raising 
cattle,  in  hunting  and   tisliiug.      We  met  here  an    Indian.'  who 
was  born  at  Frankf.u't  and  still  sj.okc  (lern.an  fluently,     lie  came 
here  with   his  father  when  a  child  of  ten  years.     The  father 
dying  in  battle,  the  boy  grew  up  auKjiig  the  wild  men.  learned 
their  language,   adopted  their  dress,  aiul.  ai)i)arently,  had   no 
desire  to  return  t..  Europe.     J.ikewise,  a    Hollander,  who  had 
served  in  the  French  army,  was  made  a  prisoner  in  the  previcuis 
war.-'  but  having  the  good  luck  to  be  adopted  by  one  of  their 
families,  saved  his  life;  wherefore  on  account  of  gratitude  he 
will  not  leave   them. '      We  dined   poorly  at   the  house  of  an 

'  Ky  luloplion  of  course. 

''  Tlic  si'vt'ii  years"  war. 

■<  "  The  Iroquois  wure  always  r.'liu'tani  to  rccoivo  other  trihcs,  ,„•  parts  of  tril),.H 
collectively,  into  the  i.r.clnets  of  the  I.on,;  Hoisk.  Vet  th..y  eonslantlv  practice,!  a 
system  ol  a(loi)tioiis.  from  wliicli,  Ihou-h  cruel  and  sava-e,  thev  <lrew  L-rcal  advau- 
tntres.  Their  prisoners  of  war.  when  they  had  burned  aiul  hutelu^red  as  numy  <.f  them 
as  would  serve  to  sale  their. nvn  ire  and  that  of  their  wonu'n.  were  divi.led  nuui  liy 
man.  W(unan  hy  woman,  aiul  child  by  child  :  adopted  into  dlllerent  families  and 
clans,  and  thus  incorp.irated  into  the  nation,  II  was  bv  this  means  and  thi- 
alone,  that  they  could  otVset  the  losses  of  their  incessant  wars.  Karly  in  the  ISth 
centniT.  and  even  h>n-  before,  a  vast  propcutiou  of  llieir  populaihm'consisted  of 
adopted  l)risoners." --/',„*,;«(«•.<  .A.,v»,7».i,,  \„ill,  Aimrica,  pa-e  l.xvi  of  iniro- 
diiction. 


\ 


/X  Tin:  AMERICAN  UEVOLVTIOS. 


51 


Eiifrlish  incrcliiint  who  resides  here;  ])()uo],t  a  few  horses  of 
tlieiii.  whicli  lire  very  -idod,  aiul  roturneil  in  the  eveiiin^r. 
Tliey  gave  us  two  guards  of  lioiior,  wlio  accompanied  us  every- 
where, placing  themselves  in  front  of  those  houses  into  which 
our  curiosity  induced  us  to  enter.  The  uati(»ns  of  wild  men 
which,  besides  those  already  mentioned,  nmkc  eimimon  cause 
with  us  against  tlie  rebels,  are  some  nations  of  Iroquois,  to 
wh(un  also  belong  the  one  on  the  Saut  St.  I.ouis.  the  Abenakis 
of  Hecancourt,  ITurons,  Onawutais  and  Xepissings." 

<>u  the  r)th  of  July.  Jill  those  .soldiers  who  were  carpenters  by 
trade,  or  knew  how  to  work  in  wood,  were  sent  to  Chambly, 
8orel.  and  St.  John,  to  work  on  the  vessels  that  were  being con- 
.structed  for  the  pas.sage  of  Lake  {'ham])lain.  The.se  men  re- 
ceived an  e.\tra  shilling  per  day. 

On  the  ()th  of  July.  Kiede.sel  wont  to  ^fontreal  to  sec  the  city. 
The  Montreal  of  those  days  was  of  course  very  different  fnun 
what  it  is  now.     The  writer  gives  the  following  description  of  it : 
''  This  city  is  .somewliat  handsomer   tlian  Quebec,  and  may 
contain,  perhaps,  sixteen  hundred  houses.     Its  wall  is  nothing 
more  than  an  apology  for  a  wail  with  loop-holes  for  cannon  and 
fire  arms  ;  and   what  is  callcl  the  citadel  is  (.nly  a  log  house  in 
poor  condition.     These  works  were  first  begun  in  178(1.     The 
whole  island,  including  the  city,  belongs  to  the  Seminary.     This 
has  eleven  ordained  prie.^ts  beside  a  few  other  priests  who  are 
distributed  among  the  nine  parishes  which  are  on  the  island. 
The.se  were  the  first  priests  tiiat   g(.t  a  foothold  in  this  part  of 
Canada.     Tliey  came  from  the  Seminary  of  St.  Sulpice  at  Paris 
and  are  to  this  day  dependent  upon  it.  having  induced  the  kinir 
of  France  to  grant  them  in  1  (5  f(i  this  island.     They  have  founded 
a  very  respectable  college  for  the  youth  who  were  formerly  taught 
by  the  Jesuits.      Near  this  seminary  is  the  best  garden  in  all 
Canada.     Most  Kuropean  plants  are  found  here.     The  revenues 
of   the   s,.minary  amount  yearly  to   twenty  thousand   thalers.' 


'  About  llftecn  thousand  dollars. 


52 


MAJOn  GKXEIiAL  niKVESEL 


Tlif  li'w  .Jesuits  wild  iiro  in  .Montrciil.  iiiid.  imU'eil,  tliroufrhout 
("iiiKulii.  still  (twii  tlicir  j)()ssi'Ssi(iiiM.  Thu  e'litiro  piirisli  of  li!i 
I'l'Jiii'ic  ill  tliis  city.  I'm-  iiistiiiicc.  Iicluiijis  U\  tlu'iii. 

••  TIk'  lliis|)ital  111'  lintel  Dieii.  in  wliieli  are  ,siiniu  iiieinbers  (if 
the  (irder  uf  St.  Auuiistine.  is  in  a  sjileiidid  condition.  There 
is.  also,  a  hospital  lor  the  ariii_\*.  Then^  is.  likewise,  in  the  city 
a  eonvent —  La  Coiiininnaiite  de  Secotirs  de  la  ('oii<i:rej;atioii  do 
Notre  Dame  —  a  general  llos|)ital  of  the  Sisters  of  Charity,  and  a 
Cloister  of  Recolets.  Of  the  four  ehurehes.  that  of  the  Jesuits 
has  ceased  to  exist." 

.Montreal  was  also  the  market  jilaee  for  the  important  fur 
trade  with  the  Indians;  whtdice  the  traders  visited  the  Indian 
liunters  in  the  interior,  in  order  to  e.\elianj;e  clothinj;'.  annnuni- 
tion.  ornaiiK^nts.  liipiors.  etc..  for  peltry. 

On  the  7th.  the  Knglish  frigate  Tartar  arrived  at  Quebec. 
She  had  broujzht.  amontr  other  thinjis.  ten  li<jht  ves.sels  of  tlio 
kind  suitable  for  the  transportation  of  the  troojis  across  liakc 
Chaniplain.  (leneral  Carleton  at  this  time  sent  his  first  adjutant, 
McLean,  to  Knj;'laiid  with  dispatches.  .Vvailinj;  himself  of  this 
ojiportunity,  (ieneral  Hiedesel  also  sent  his  dispatches  and  letters 
to  head  (piarters  for  transniission  to  Kiirope. 

The  vessels  which  were  sent  from  Kiirope  were  so  constructed 
that  they  could  readily  be  taken  to  pieces  and  put  together  again. 
A  vessid  of  tliis  kind  was  cajiable  of  carrying  three  cannons. 
They  were  built  in  this  manner  so  that  if  necessary  they  could 
be  more  easily  transported  on  land. 

The  troojis  heard  very  little  in  their  ((Uaiters  in  regard  to  the 
operations  of  the  other  armies;  for  the  rumors,  which  were 
occasionally  heard,  were  so  e.Ntravagant  that  great  catition  was 
necessary  in  imparting  them. 

The  rebellioii.s  Americans  were  generally  called  by  the  British 
rilir/s ;  for  those  ol'  them,  however,  who  were  still  found  in 
Canada  a  dirteri'iit  name  was  invented,  viz :  /iiis/iiiiiiiint.  after 
the  city  of  JJoston.  These  Hostonians  had  still  possession  of 
the  fort  at  Crown  point,  while  the  British  and  (iermaus  were 


/X  THE  AMKRICAX  IlKroLUTlOS. 


53 


oncjiinpcd  on  the  ("liniiibly.  A  low  Tn.lians,  who  wnutfd  as  I'm- 
as  the  Aiiit'i-ican  caiiip,  reported  tliat  tlie  Ainerieaii.s  were  about 
to  retreat. 

Hespeetinjr  the  offieial  relations  .sustained  hy  lliedesel  to  the 
otlier  generaLs.  lie  shall  be  allowed  to  speak  for  hini.self.  Tn  a 
letter  written  to  Duke  Ferdinand  in  the  beuinninji  of  .July,  ho 
says,  anionj^'  other  thin<is,  -We  have  to  overlook  many  thin;,^s 
and  ero.ss  many  a  little  bridjre  that  we  may  meet  tlie  expectations 
of  (mr  <rcncrals  and  not  be  einbarra,«sed  in  this  kind  of  warfare. 
3Iy  prineiple  is,  never  to  aggravate  aiiythinjr,  and  to  obey  the 
orders  of  the  },'eneral.  This  is  probably  the  reason  tliat  he  still 
continues  satisfied  with  me.  *  *  *  ^ 

"The  country  and  liind.scapes  of  Canada  are  beautiful.  Its 
resources  at  present,  however,  cannot  be  depended  on  to  sustain 
.nir  entire  army.  A  lack  of  vessels  liindors  its  from  cro.ssing 
Lake  ('ham])lain.  and  therefore  we  cannot  advance.  Yet  1 
•  believe  that  this  war  will  soon  be  finished.  We  have  not  a  word 
from  the  .second  divisitm  nor  from  (ieneral  Howe." 

One  mif-ht  very  reasonably  have  believed  that  tlie  war  would 
soim  be  brou-ht  to  a  close.  Indeed,  had  the  reenforccments 
arrived  in  America  but  two  months  sooner,  no  one  w(uild  have 
thought  for  a  moment  of  the  North  American  rebellion  being  a 
success.  Washington  was  .scarcely  able  to  collect  seven  thou- 
sand men  in  the  spring  of  177() ;  and  what  could  this  mob  have 
done  against  a  well  organized  army^  Hut  that  general  knew 
well  how  to  improve  the  opportunity,  occasioned  by  this  h.ss  of 
tmie.  The  little  discouraged  band  increased  in  a  short  time,  to 
thirty  thou.Kand  men— all  animated  with  an  ardent  desire  for  a 
fight. I  The  Knglish,  at  that  time,  had  no  idea  of  the  .strength 
of  the  hostile  army. 

Hy  the  middle  of  July,  the  number  of  the  sick   among  the 
lirunswick  troops    had    very  much    increased.     On   the    12tli, 


'  The.  oii-inal.  perhaps,  would  be  bust  e.xpri;.s«ed  by  the  sla.ifj  o.xpressiou  '■  .no'l- 
mg  for  a  light."  '    ' 


w 


i 


64 


M.\.K)lt  (.KSKHM.  lllKDKftEL 


there  wore  sixty-four  in  {\w  hospital  imd  onuhuiitlrcd  and  sixty 
in  their  f(uarters.  The  nieii  siifltTt'd  cliicfly  from  a  severe 
(liarrluea.  coiiseiiucnt  )i|ion  tlie  su(l«K'n  I'lian^i's  in  ti'nipera- 
ture  —  the  (hiys  Iteinj;  oppressively  hot  and  the  nijzhts  very 
eold. 

\iitwitlistan<lin;i'  the  aetivity  (lis]ilayed  in  hnildin^:  tlie  boats, 
tiiey  proi;ri'ssi'd  slowly,  'riic  troops,  in  the  meanwhile,  were 
idle,  and  saw  the  enemy's  forces  constantly  increase.  IJy  the 
15th  of  July.  on(?  hundred  of  these  canoes  were  finished,  but 
there  still  remained  five  hundred  and  forty-six  to  l)c  liuilt ;  nor, 
even  if  I'vcrythinj;  prospci'cd.  could  these  be  completed  in  less 
than  three  weeks.  There  were  at  this  time  at  Chanibly  four 
armed  vessels,  carrying:'  ei<;hteen  to  twenty  cannon  each;  but 
what  did  they  anmunt  to  when  the  Anu'rieans  had  seven  such 
vessels  on  Lake  Clianipiain ''  Neither  coidd  they  pass  the 
rapids.  This  diificulty.  however,  was  jicit  over  by  a  resolution 
to  transport  them  on  land.  This  was  considered  a  ^n'cat  itlea  I  • 
Acconliuiily.  roads  were  especially  made  and  ievclcil  for  this  pur- 
jiiise  ;  and  tremendous  rollers  were  laid  across  them,  upon  which 
were  placed  the  sliijis.  In  this  manner  they  were  gradually 
rolled  alonj;'. 

In  order  to  procure  a  larjrer  and  cheaper  supply  of  provisions 
for  the  troops,  (ieneral  Kiedestd  ordered  a  market  to  be  held 
at  La  Prairie;  but.  notwithstandinji'  it  was  attended  by  sellers 
and  the  prices  for  each  article  set,  everythiui:'  was  outrajreously 
dear. 

On  the  ISth.  (Ieneral  Carleton  jiave  another  audience  to 
various  deputations  of  Indians.  Uiedesel.  who  witiu'sscd  this 
one,  also,  describes  it  as  follows  : 

■■  The  meetiu;;  was  similar  to  the  one  already  described.  This 
time,  however,  the  (le]uitations  were  from  the  Outanais,  Cou- 
deresand  Saules  — tribes  liviufi  between  and  near  Lakes  Ontario 
and  Kric.  They  numbered  about  one  hundred  and  eiudity.  and 
were  good  looking;'  and  well  built  men.  Tliey  oft'ored  their 
jrrandfather.  the  king  of  Kngland,  and  their  father,  (jleneral 


f 


/.v  Tin:  .\Mi:i;ir.\.\  i!h:yiii.rrii).\. 


5;) 


<';irlctoii.  their  stTvicrs  .imiiii.st  llic  Mostoiiijiiis.  I      ( Iriicnil  ( '.nlc- 

tnii  ivc.ivc.l   ili.Mii  ill  ,1  p.irtiniliirK-  rricii-liv  iiiMiiiicr.  >ii tli,.y 

had  emu.  liitli.T  tVoiii  ;i  Innu  (li.stiincf.  ,iih1  Ii,hI  in  limcsiMM 
.•ii(l(.(l  the  l-'ivncli.  II,.  ,11,1  ,|,,t,  |„nv,.v,.r.  ,,(•-•,. |,t  tii,.ir  serviirM 
ill  this  time,  hut  r(.((ii,.sto,l  tliciii  to  koi-i)  in  iViKJiiicss  until 
newle.l.  nnd.  in  th.^  niciiiwhil,..  pi-iitt-ct  tin.  cMintry  fn.ni  tiicir 
side,  sine,.  \\n  ,.thur  nation  —  ii,>  iiiatt,.r  wliaf  liicir  nam,.  —  cnihl 
stay  fh,.  |.n,iir....s  „C  thmr  anus.  lie.  als...  [.artimdarly  enj,.iii,.,l 
them  iM.t  t,i  aekm.wled-e  any  ,. tiler  rider  hut  their  ^'raiid(ath,.r, 
til.'  kin,u,.C(ireat  Hritain.  lie  tlmiik..d  tlieni  (or  th..  discipline 
they  had  ohserveil  .m  their  mareh  (,,  .Montreal,  and  i.r,mii,s,.d  |„ 
Kivo  eaeh  iiati.m  a  W-ss  silver  ihillars.  whi.h.  altlniu-h  not  yet 
Hnished.  they  sh,.,il,l  surely  have.  lie.  therefore,  advised  them 
to  leave  a  \\-\s  n[  their  elii,.|s  to  iveeive  tin-  money  when  it  was 
ivady.     They  answered  (ieneral  ('arl,.t.m  that  they  wotil.l  aeeupt 

the    dollars,    not  as  a    pre.^cnt.    hut   as  a   i si,lerati,m     wliieli 

should  mak,.  their  pr.miis,.  to  th,.  Kii-lish  the  more  hiu.linj;. 
ill  reply.  (;,.|,eral  ('arlet,.ii  -ranted  th,.|n  still  more  liherty  i'ii 
trad(..  -iviii-  them  the  wli,)le  of  Canada  and  Kurope.  II,.  ,-,ls,. 
pnmiised  to  have  some  m,.re  n.ads  hiiilt  tor  their  e.speeial  ae- 
c-ommodation  in  tradinj:.  Tli(.  present,  whieh  (ieneral  Carleton 
reeeived  IVoni  them,  eimsisted  (d' several  strin.i-s  ,)feorals.  The 
Cotulres  re(,Kested  at  the  same  time  that  their  farmer  ,u,.veriior, 
Maehina,  should  he  reappiiinted.  One  ,d'  the  leaders  of  thi.s 
nation  wore  on  thisoeeasii.n  the  eoat  of  (ieneral  Ura.hhiek  whom 

ho  had  killed  in   the   previ,.us  war;  and   his   little  s f  nine 

years  the  vest  ))..lon,uino.  t,,  it.  They  then  asked  for  th,.  .second, 
or  farewell  meutinj;-,  which  was  uranted  for  the  followiiii;-  ilay." 
^  The  next  day.  aecordiu-ly.  they  hekl  th..ir  seeoml  meetiii-. 
The  general  had  wine  distrihuted  anion-  them,  in  eoiis,.,,uenre 
of  which  they  w..re  very  jovial  and  noisy.  The  calu:ii..t  of 
p.ace  went  from  mouth  to  mouth. 

On   the  L'Kth,   (ieneral  Carleton    Went  t,.  Qiiehec   in  a  eaii,.e, 


'  St'o  paiio  .5-i,  ;i(l  line  Ir 


oiii  loot. 


r,i\ 


MA.iDit  tih:\t:i!M.  itiKhKSKr, 


oxpiu'tiii;;  til  I'ciiiuiii  tliiTc  wpiiic  (iiiic.  .Miisuiiji  were  sent  t(i  tho 
IhK(  aux  Noix  (n  Imild  a  t'nrt  at  that  jmiiit.  This  litlh'  ifhintl 
is  ill  tlic  Ciiaiiihly  river  a  littU'  to  \\w  mntii  ol'St.  .Iniiu. 

(ii'iit'l'ai  Uiir^nync  tiink  nuiiiiiainl  cpf  the  army  after  tlie 
(h'jiarture  ut'  Carletun.  Tiie  tirst  tliiiij;-  he  diii  was  tn  send  a 
(h'taeliiiieiit,  CDiisistiii^-  nC  twelve  l']ii;:lish  Vdlmiteers.  and  a 
jiarty  id'  Indians  and  Canadians,  toward  tiie  enemy  witli  iirdi'rs 
not  to  stiij)  till  they  had  reaidied  him.'  'I'lie  frenenil  wished 
to  ascertain  detlnitely,  whether  or  not  Cruwii  |iiiiiit  had  heen 
vacated  by  the  .\niericaiis.  (Quarter  master  ( leiicral  Carletnn  — 
a  ne|ilu;w.  and  also  a  hmther-in-law  id'thi'  ^icneral  —  was  called 
upon  til  lead  the  reciiiiiiuitrin^  parly. '  IJut  neither  were  tho 
Americans  inactive  in  recunniiitriiijj;.  On  the  li.'ith.  mie  id'  the 
.\inerican  jiatruls  was  ca|itiired  near  \,i\  I'rairie;  and.  acciirdin;^ 
til  his  statement,  the  [latml  tn  which  he  lielnii^jcd  cmisisted  id' 
line  officer  and  livo  men.  They  had  readied  that  ]ilace  under 
the  most  ai;fj:ravatiii<i;  circumstances,  and  hy  terrilde  round 
aliont  roads.  'I'hat  their  maridi  was  a  loni;'  one.  is  evident  from 
the  fact  that  each  man  was  jirovided  with  iinivisiiins  for  fmir- 
teeii  days. 

On  the  same  day.  the  25th.  the  Kni.dish  ]{ri;;adier  (ieneral 
(lordoii.  whose  liriuade  was  encamjied  near  the  (iermaii  triio]is 
ill  the  vicinity  of  La  Prairie,  was  shot,  lie  rude,  on  the  2.'!il, 
alone  to  St.  .lohii.  to  visit  (Ieneral  Fraser.  Tlie  road  was  con- 
sidered safe,  for  Kiijilish  troops  were  encam])ed  aliinj;  its  entire 
leiiiith.  ^^'hilc  returniiii;-  on  the  'l')\\\.  thrmijih  some  woods, 
and  when  hut  two  and  a  half  leaiiues  distant  from  La  I'rairie. 
he  was  severely  wonndeii  in  the  rij;lit  arm  and  shoulder  liy  two 
lialls  froin  a  concealeil  I'oe.  lie  ftdl  from  his  horse,  and  was 
afterward  found  liy  a  soldier  of  the  21st  Hetriment.  lie  was  at 
once  carried  to  Colonel  Hamilton's  at  St.  .lacoh.  and  remained 
there  until  his  death,   which   occurred  soon   after.     This  haji- 


'  .\  rimml  alumt  «iiy  iif  (losrrlliinjj;  ii  hcoiiliii!;  part.v. 

'•"The  writer  speoku  of  him  a  few  pages  back  ub  «  cousin  of  (Jeiieriil  C'lirleton. 


/.V   Till'  AMKItK-.W  lli:Vill,ril(>\. 


67 


pfiii'il  ill  the  ri'iir  cil'  the  Kii^lisli  lrn..|i.^.      |t  wns  never  kimwii 
wliii  killed  liiiii^ 

The  (letiieliiiieiit  .sent  ouf  liy  (leiicnil  Huri;(iyiie  elieiillllteved 
a  |iafty  of  Hie  enemy  Mdinewliere  iienr  the  Isle  mix  Nulx;  mid, 
iinhvithstmidiiiM;  the  hitter's  ,sii|iei'iiifity  in  |i"int  nl'  niiinliers, 
lift  icked  them.  The  Aiiii'ricmis  lust  in  |irisnners.  (Jiie  ea]itiiin, 
two  (iHicers  mid  thirty-three  men.  (»ii  the  side  id'  the  Hritish, 
"lie  liidiiin  was  shot  dead,  and  (die  ('anadiaii  sevendy  wniinded. 
The  detaelimeiit  returned  im  the  27th.  and  reported  that  the 
Curt  at  Cniwn  iminl  was  jrarrisoned  hy  mily  live  hundn'd  men: 
a  little  while  prcviiiiis  it  had  euntaiiied  eiijhteen  hundred. 

On  tile  2!ltli  id'  .Inly  (leneral  Carletnn  made  sunie  altera- 
tions  ill  the  positions  id'  the  eiieamped  troops.     The   21st   and 

♦i2il  Ke;;iinents  were  sent  to  St.  Therese.  a  place  lyiiio'  I.etw i 

Fort  Chanildy  .iiid  Fort  St.  John.  Two  eompaiiies  of  tlie 
fcM'mer  were  deta(die(l  to  the  other  side  id'  the  river  opposite  St. 
Therese;  and  three  eompanies  of  the  Itdtli  IJeninieiit  were  sent 
to  St.  Ours.  St.  Denis  and  St.  Charles  in  order  to  ])Ut  a  stop  to 
the  ndiheries  of  the  sailors.  Two  eom]iaiiies  (d'  the  .second  liri- 
pide.  under  Powell,  were  (h'taidied  to  the  west  side  of  the  river 
()piio,site  Belleville  to  extend  the  chain  of  patnds  to  ("hmnlily. 
The  eommunieiition  between  tlienc  detucdied  cimipanies  was  kept 
lip  !•}  boats. 

On  tlie  :{(tth.  another  meeting  was  to  ha\e  taken  place  with 
.some  Indian  tribes,  but  it  was  postponed  until  the  fidlowinj;- 
day,  as  the  dcdcL'ates  were  .so  intoxicated  tliat  they  could  not 
.stand.  l{ie(h',sel  was  auain  jireseut.  On  the  iJlst  of  .July, 
General  Hur^'oyiie  received  a  document  from  coiifiTcss,  the 
C{)iitent,s  of  which  were  decidedly  cool,  .\nioiiu  other  thin<:s, 
it  .said  that  it  was  imiiossible  for  the  Kniilish.  who  had  an  army 
of  (uily  sixty  tlKuisaiid  men.  to  subjugate  the  cidonies  which 
contained  three  millions;  nnd  further,  that  the  Americans  were 
prepared  effectually  to  oppose  the  British,  and  were  only  await- 
ing their  arrival. 

Oil  the  Jst  of  AugiLst,  (ieneral  Hiede.sel  celebrated  the  birth- 


58 


MA.IOn  flK.\F[tM.  IIIKDKSKI. 


(lay  of  his  sdvcrciuii  in  a  iH'cmiiiini-  maimer.  ( icneval  Biircnyiu'. 
witli  siiiiio  (if  lii.s  staff  ofliccrs.  was  also  jircsi'iit.  ()i»  tlie  !Ul  of 
August,  (ii'iioral  (iordoii.  who  had  died  of  liis  wounds,  was 
liiu'ii'd  at  Moiitri'al  witli  fidl  military  lionors  —  all  the  IJnms- 
wick  officers  atteiidini;  the  funeral. 

Itiedesel.  in  tin'  meantime,  had  drilled  ii  s  troo]is  diiiiieiitly, 
and  had  in.struotcd  them  somewhat  in  the  Kni^lish  nu'tliod  of 
fij;htinjjr.  lie  made  the  first  attempt  with  his  infantry  reyiment 
on  the  (Ith  of  Au<:ust  The  niaud-uvre  consisted  in  an  attack  in 
the  woods  with  skirmishers  in  advance.  This  was  done  in  order 
to  surpri.se  (.ieneral  C'arleton  upon  his  return  from  Quebec,  when 
it  was  expected  ho  would  inspect  the  (ierman  troops. 

The  somewhat  excitable  (Jeneral  IJuru'oyne.  enraued  at  the 
threateninj: document  from  coiiiiress.  issued  the  followinu' order  : 

•'  All  commanders  of  reiriments  are  re(|uested  to  inform  their 
oflicers.  suli-oti;<'ers  and  })rivates  that  no  more  letters  will  he 
ac<-epted  from  r  liels  who  ha\e  taken  up  arms  ai^ainst  their 
kini;  ;  and  if  any  more  delegates  from  tliis  moli  dare  to  a|p](roach 
our  ]iiekets.  exce]itinL:'  as  sa].;ilic;'Mls  for  mercy,  they  sliall  lie  at 
once  arrested  and  imprisiuied  in  order  to  he  punished  for  their 
crime.  .Ml  letters,  even  if  directed  to  the  commander  in  (diief, 
shall  he  delivered  unopeiu'd  to  the  provost  and  burned  by  the 
haniiuian." 

Xotwithstandiufr.  however,  this  rough  and  pa.ssioiuite  (U'der, 
(Ieneral  Hurudync  afterward  enjoiiie(l  the  troops  —  speakinn'  in 
reference  to  the  faithless  eoniluet  of  the  .\nu'ricans  as  shown 
more  ]iarlicu!arly  in  tlw  case  of  (ieneral  (Jordon  and  the 
e.xchauue  of  prisoners  —  not  to  repay  evil  with  evil,  .\moni;' 
other  things,  he  says.  •■  The  Kniilishnian.  always  Inave.  will 
not    fiiru'ct    that    he    is  accustomed    to  act   maiiiianiniously   and 

philanthropieally.      It  behooves  the  ti ps  of  the  kinu  to  spare 

the  blood  of  his  subjects;  it  behooves  the  kinii  himself;  and  it 
is  the  duty  of  all  his  faithful  sidijects  to  olttain  for  the  inhabit- 
ants of  this  ((unitry  that  noble  liberty  with  which  they  were 
once  blessed."      (Ieneral    IJurjrovne  also  ordered  that  all   .\me- 


/.V  THE  AUEIirCAX  UEVOLmoX. 


59 


ricMii  i)ris(.iUTsslinul,l  he  funiisluHl  with  clothin- iiiul  pnivisinns 
until  it  should  please  the  fi;()verii<)r  to  give  tlioin  their  liberty. 

(hi  the  !»th.  the  nrun><wick  troops  were  transferred  to  fsle 
aux  Xoix.  the  defenses  of  which  were  still  iiieoniplete.  in  th(! 
meantime,  an  artillery  train  was  sent  to  Lake  Champlain.  This 
consisted  of  eight  twenty-four-pounders.  six  long,  and  six 
medium  eigliteen-pounders.  and  six  long,  and  twelve  medium 
twelve-pounders,  besides  other  guns. 

From  Canada  tlie  IJritisli  eould  operate  against  the  southern 
colonies  to  ureator  advantage,  as  tlie  people  in  that  section  were 
entirely  loyal,  and  the  neighboring  tribes  of  Indians  had  not  yet 
taken  sides  against  the  king.  Before,  however,  giving  a  furtJier 
account  of  the  war.  we  may  he  allowed  to  give  a  descrijition  of 
the  country  and  its  inhabitants,  which  have  remained  under 
England  until  thr  jiresei.t  day. 


Canada,  now  the  most  southern  of  the  Knglish  possessions, 
was  formerly  one  of  the  most  northern.  At  the  present  day.' 
It  is  bounded  on  the  south  and  west  by  the  Tnited  Stales,  its 
b(uindaries  being  ma.le  by  nature  by  the  Canadian  lakes,  the 
St.  Lawrence,  and  the  Alleghany  mountains.  The  Ottawa  river, 
which  runs  from  noith  to  south-west.  and.  in  the  vicinifv  of 
-Montreal,  empties  into  the  St.  Lawrence,  divides  the  country  into 
Upper  and  Lower  Canada.  it  is  somewhat  larger  than  (Jer- 
many  —  containing  twelve  thousand  s.|uare  miles  — and  is.  as 
a  general  thing,  very  thinly  settled. 

Lower  Canada  is  chictly  inhabited  by  the  descendants  of  the 
French  ;  for.  although  Krst  visite<l  by  the  Sjianiards.  it  was.  in 
the  sixteenth  century  taken  possession  of  by  the  French. 
Captain  Chaniplain  founded  (Quebec  in  Idi'S.  nt  which  time  a 
vice  king  ruled  in  Canaila  in  place  of  his  njastcr.  The  French 
element  is.  to  this  ilay.  in  the  majority,  whence,  the  l''rcnch 
names  of  districts,  settlements,  and  rivers.  In  the  year  175!), 
the  Knglish  cai)tured  Quebec;  and.  at  the  peace  of  \'ersailles, 


60 


MAJOR  GEXEIiAL  litEDESEL 


X\w  whole  of  ('aiiiulii  was  trivi'ii  uji  to  Knjihiiiil.  The?  reason 
wliy  tlie  Krencli  )io|uilation  liave  always  lieeii  so  iiiiicli  in  favor 
of  the  Kuj;lisli  is.  lieeanse  dnrinii'  the  l''reneh  reiun,  the  utlicials 
who  were  sent  over  ^dvenied  them  as  they  jdeased.  eiiriehed 
themselves,  and  o])pressed  the  eolonists.  The  Kn^ilish.  on  the 
eontrary.  treated  the  inhahitants  in  an  op])osite  manner.  They 
favored  justiee  and  eommei-ce.  and  did  not  interfere  with  the  eus- 
tomsandusaficsof  the  eolonists.  Thus  it  hap))ened.  that  after  the 
outhreak  of  the  American  revolution,  when  (i»'neral»  Mont- 
uoniery  and  Arnold  endeavored  to  induee  the  Canadians  to  revolt, 
they  remained  loyal  to  the  cause  of  the  kinjjr. 

The  colonists  of  Canada,  at  the  be<rinnin<r  of  the  war.  were, 
one  may  say.  in  their  infancy.  Tlie  |(opulation  was  very  sparse, 
and  tlie  settlements  and  towns  were  far  apart  from  each  other. 
There  was.  it  is  true,  an  alMindance  of  meat,  poultry  and  milk, 
hut  notwithstanding  the  splendid  country,  fruit  and  vefjetables 
were  scarce,  for  the  reasun  that  very  little  attention  was  paid 
to  horticulture.  Other  necessaries,  also,  which  a  Kuropean  was 
accustomed  to  —  such  as  spirituous  li(juors  —  were  very  d<'ar. 
'JMius  a  liottle  of  ccunnmn  wine,  for  instance,  cusl  niie  thaler  in 
.uold. 

Hiedesel  describes  life  in  Canada  as  very  jileasaut.  and  the 
inhahitants  as  e.xtremely  polite  and  ajrreeahle.  In  a  letter  to 
his  wife,  he  writes,  that  the  farmers  nf  mu-tluMii  (icrniany.  under 
similar  circumstances,  would  not  he  sn  iihlijrini;-.  While  sojourn- 
inj:;  at  La  I'rairie,  he  traveled  over  all  the  country  in  various 
directions  and  soon  obtained  a  pretty  accurate  kuowli'dj;e  of  the 
land  and   its  inhabitants. 

On  the  null  of  July  the  24th  Knulish  reuinu^nt  was  or(h're(l 
from  St.  .lidiM  to  Isle  aux  Noix.  At  the  same  time  a  (lerman 
detachment  of  two  hundri'd  men  undei-  Colonel  Specht  marched 
to  the  former  ]ilace.  (ieneral  Riedescl  accompanie<l  it  in  order 
to  see  that  it  was  properly  <|uartere(l.      l-'nun  St.  .lohn  he  crossed 


over  to   Isle  aux    Noix  to  view  that 


ml.      lie  describes  it 


being  about  four  hinidred  paces  in  circumference  and  fully  capable 


/.V  THE  .{.VEniCAX  liKVOLVTIOX. 


(Il 


of  defetulin;.-  tlic  piiHsaj-e  of  tlic  river.     Tlio  entire  islniul  was 
fortified.     He  tiiinkH  it  lieaitliier  than  St.  .John. 

Hefore  tiie  arrival  of  the  24th  He-inient  an.l  tiie  (Jernian  lidit 

ti-ooi-s,   (lenerai    I'raser   had.  in  his  liri-ail...   five  < ijmnie.s  of 

P'enadiers  and  five  eonijianies  of  jinlit  infantrv. 
^  During  the  sunimer  the   Knjilish   had  cut  "a  road  from  F(n-t 
St.  J„hn  to  ('hand)Iy  wliieh  j-reatiy  facilitated  tlie  eonnnunica- 
tion  hetween  those  two  points.      Hiedesei  took  tliis  road  when 
he  went  to  confer  ujK.n  varions  matters  witli  General  Hur-oyne. 
Thence  he  jonrneyed  on  to  Qnehec  both  to  make  (Jeneral  Carle- 
ton  a  visit,  and  to  inspect  thoBc  of  the  (German  re-iments  that 
were  (|nartercd  in  that  place.      ISiede.sel  made  this  jonrney  of 
forty-tiiree    (Jerman   miles   in  twenty-.>*even   hours.      He   failed, 
however,  to  see  (ien.-ral  Carletou  ;  for  the  latter  had  already  .aone' 
to  ('haml)ly.  liy  way  of  Sorel.  to  fix  the  .|uarters  ,,f  tiie  late 
(ieneral    ({ordon's  hri.uade.      I{iede,-<e1.  accordingly,  returned  to 
La  I'rairie  on  the  27lh  of  Au-u.st.      Ife  was  considerahly  out  of 
humor,  havinjr  heard  nothin-of  the  .second  division,  and  not  hav- 
injr  found  the  re-iuuuits.  generally,  in  as  -ood  trim  as  he  expected. 
He  was  al.s,,  .'specially  dis.satisfied  with  Prince  Frederick's  re-ri- 
mi'uf    commanded    l.y    l.ient.   ('<•].    I'raetiu'ius.       Tlww  of   the 

(n-rman   troops  whom  the  -eneral  had  drilled  wen w  obliged 

to  learn  how  to  r..w  hoats.  pre|)arafory  to  the  pa.s.sagc  of  Lake 
(Mianiplain.  .Kcccu-dingly.  cacli  hrigade  had  a  number  of  boats 
assigned  them  which  they  were  obliged  to  n.w  at  certain  times 
each  day. 

( »n  the  I'ltth  of  .1  nly.  there  was  a  rumor  that  the  second  division 
had  arrived  at  gu.'bec  after  an  auspi.'i.nis  voyage.  TIu'  rumor. 
howev.i  was  ,uily  partially  confirmed,  as  r.nly  one  .-^liip  arrived 
having  on  board  the  lle.ssia  iianau  artillery,  liesp.'eting  it. 
Iliede.sel  writes  to  Dnke  Ferdinand  as  follows: 

"Oursecimd  divisi.m.  together  with  a  battalicm  of  Walde.-k 
have  at  last  arrived  at  l-undy.  alter  passing  (Quebec,  i  sh.ill  -,. 
there  next  Wednesday  in  onh-r  to  unite  them  with  (he  main  army. 
Ueneral  Carletcui   has  placc.l  all  th.'  (iernian   troops  under  my 


G2 


ilAJOn  UFXKIIM  niFriKsEL 


ciDiniiaiul ;  thus  iijion  our  siscoiul  cxjit'ditidn  T  sliiiU  ('(iiuniiind 
iiiije  l)iittaliims  dividod  into  tlm-o  ln-iuudos,  viz:  tlio  first,  under 
Coioncl  S|it'clit ;  tilt!  second,  under  t'olonel  Oall  of  Ilanau; 
ami  the  tliird  under  tin'  eolonel  wlio  eomniainled  the  Imttalioii 
of  W'aldeek.  If  liowever.  tills  latter  reninu'ut  has  only  a  lieu- 
tenant eolonel  tiien  the  third  division  will  he  under  Colonel 
Ureyniann." 

These  l)rif;:ades.  in  faet.  formed   the  left  winj:'  of  the  army. 
Re«j)eetin<:'  it,  Uiedesel  writes  to  (ieneral  Carleton  as  follows: 


■  li.\  I'lt.MUiK.  Sipt.'AX.  177(i. 

••  ^ly  Lord:  The  hoinir  whieh  your  exeelleney  has  hestowed 
upon  me.  in  jiivinj;'  nn'  the  eommand  and  snjiervision  of  the  left 
winu'  of  the  army,  induces  me  to  ex]iress  to  you  my  huniblu 
oiiinion  in  re^iiird  to  the  distribution  of  the  (Jerman  troops  into 
brijrades  as  soon  as  they  have  all  been  broujiht  to.ucther.  By 
pursuing-  the  i-iiurse  whieh  1  propose,  each  briuade  will  see  not 
only  that  it  is  to  be  well  led.  but  that  a  uood  oHieer  has  been 
given  them.  Kver  since  the  year  I7(i7  that  officer  has  nevci* 
been  of  a  less  rank  than  a  lieutenant  colonel  —  a  rule  which 
has  always  secured  them  one  of  the  oldest  staH'  ofiieers  of  the 
army. 

"  I  wish  your  excellency  would  kindly  allow  Prince  l-'rederick'a 
rejriment  to  rejoin  the  army.  Its  place  in  the  pirrison  at 
Quebec  could  be  ((uiekly  replaced  by  drawiniidetaehments  from 
the  difl'erent  reiriments  composed  of  those  recruits  and  invalids 
that  are  too  yount;-  or  feeble  to  stand  the  hardships  of  a  cam- 
paifrn.  in  ease  those  should  be  used  for  garrison  duty,  it  only 
•Icpcmls  on  y<iur  excellency  to  have  formed  at  once  three  bri- 
gades of  the  (lernian  troops — who  are  sufficient  in  iMunber  for 
the  purpose — in  aeciirdance  with  the  plan  which  I  liave  hero 
the  honor  to  Inclose.  The  third  brigade  might  also  be  used  on 
the  left  wing,  either  as  the  advance,  or  in  any  manner  which 
your  excellency  thinks  best  —  pi-rhaps.  in  the  >anie  way  as  the 
brigade  of  (reneral  Fraser  is  employed  on  the  right  wing.     This 


/.v  ■/■///■:  A. )//■:/{ few  i!Evoi.rT/o.\. 


m 


IKlW 

;('r 


would. n..,ly..nn.un,n.i...t.n.nt(V,lnnHIWv.n.nn.  who  no, 
ocls  sl,.l.ted  at  havi„o.   I,,..,,  ,,..ss,..l    ..v.t    in  favor  of  you o 

'";;:"""="f  •^"'"'"■'^-  '  ^^in  i-  ■•.., sim..  ,;,..  i.is  ..o,..;,^..  .n,. 

<'nl.t.M-yk,.owI.M]o,.;  witl.   his  ,h.,,orf,n..nt    I  M   .ssur,.,!    that 
.votir  cxccnciicv  will  he  satisfied. 

'■''""■'"y"^^'"  l"-"'f'   I'^'v..  , th.T  n.otiv..   in   .nakin-   (his 

request,  but  to  ,„ai„tain  ,1,.  ,oo.l  i;,..|i„,  ,„,,„„„  ,„,  „,;„,„  .f 
h.>*  majesty  and   ours  who  are  in   his   ,.av;  to  satisfy  all    just 
demands;    and    to    reap    the  appvohation   of  your  exeelleney, 
whieh  IS.  and  will  he  my  only  aim. 
■'  I  •■eniaiii. 

•  Voui-  IvxeelleneyV  Obedient  S.'ryant. 

•  l»IKI>KSKI,." 

The  followinu'  plan  accompanied  this  leiier: 


i!i{u:.\i)ii:i{  (Uv.vKii.vi.  spKcirr. 

t'iixl  Line. 


I!i'i.'iincnl(>n{h,'iz,  fdur         lici.!, 


S|li'clil. 


BKIUAIJIKlf  tiK.\Kl(.\I,  yo.N  (i,\r,L. 
y'lixl  line. 


Prince  Frederick's  n^ifi- 
K'lit,     fciiir     coinimnii's.      ...    ,,„    ,,, 

iiS-;;;-|  ''y  •-"••  «•■•■■  ;^'yi-,;y^;,„;;— I-.,  i-i.,,,:  c;,i:  u;;;;;:" 


mont,     Umv     c.nimni;..      .>|-^V)„"l;mr'"v.MnM.'n!'"''f       .  ••■;;i"-"""imni..s  „ni,.s. 
,„„.,„wi..,i.-..  I :..'..,.  ,■      ..'  '"Ill    I'^'iiniMii-  lit      sia  lliiMaii.inniinaiuluilliv 


BREV.M.VNX'S  HliKJADE. 
Second  Line. 


Tile  coinpaiiv  ol' 
Hriin-iwiclv  V!i'''i'r;', 


Hi-iiiisHiili   11^-1, t 
{iit'aijti'v.  lorn- 

iiiandcil   liy  |.i,.||i. 
t'ol.  HariieV. 


'i'liiri'ciiinpani 
<il'  iliiinsw  ick  :;r- 


Isl    Co.,    Ilcssia 
Ilanaii,      Nt     Cd,. 


|Ml  by  .Maj,„-  .\k.,|.     ,|„.,.,    .•j,,,    ,T;"';|f 


Hie   rcL'i nt    \h*- 

"ia  Italian,  niiii- 
iiiaiiilcil  In-  .Major 
l.orki'. 


'  m 


f 


04 


MA.foii  ah:\i-:it.[L  hiedkski. 


Tlint  which  is  licvc  ("illcd  ii  vc^'iiiiciit  wns  often  only  ii 
battalion,  lor  a  rcjiinu'nt  that  had  hut  three  eoin]paiiies  was  not 
divided  into  hattalions.  I{iedesel.  in  his  letters,  .sometimes 
ealls  such  hodies  of  men.  a  battalion. 

On  the  :!(ltli,  the  llessia  llanau  Colonel  \'on  <!all  was  made 
a  brijradier  j^enei-ai  by  'Jeneral  ("arleton.  and  Major  Carleton. 
lieutenant  colonel  of  the  '1M\  Keiriment.  On  the  .'id  of  Sep- 
tend)er,  (ienerals  Carleton.  Ilurjioyne  and  I'hilliji.s,  with  their 
resj)eetive  suits,  met  at  La  l*rairie  for  tlio  puriiose  of  ins])eetin):' 
the  jirofieieney  of  the  (iermaii  troops  in  the  drill.  The  battalion 
of  {rrenadiers.  under  Breyniann,  beuan  at  half-]past  ten  o'eloek. 
It  drilled  with  elosed  ranks,  and  receivecl  the  approbation  of  the 
Kn.Lilish  L'enerals.  At  three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  the  ficnerals 
reviewed  threi;  hundre(l  men  of  the  reuiment  Uiedesel.  We  ha\e 
already  menti(Uied  that  |{ie(lesel  had  drilled  this  detaehment  in 
an  extended  line  for  the  purpose  of  suriu'isinjr  the  <;i'nerals.  Thi.s 
nianceuvre.  representing  an  attack  in  the  woods,  was,  aceordiuLdy. 
perl'eetly  carried  out.  I  n  order  to  <;ive  our  readers  an  idea  of  what 
was.  in  those  days,  called  the  practice  of  sharp  shooting',  we  will 
here  copy  irrlniliiii  an  extract  fmni  Hiedesel's  journal  : 

••  .\.s  soon  as  the  Krrt  line  has  jum]>ed  into  tlu^  supposed  ditch, 
the  command  'tire'  is  ;j:iven.  when  the  first  line  fires,  reloads  its 
guns,  gets  up  out  of  the  ditch,  and  hides  lieliind  a  trtie.  roek, 
shrub  or  whatever  is  at  hand,  at  the  same  tinu'  firing  off  four 
eartri'lges  in  such  a  manner  that  the  line  is  ke])t  as  straight  as 
possibh^  As  soon  as  the  first  line  has  tired  ofl'  the  four  cartridges, 
the  second  line  advances  and  fires  off  the  same  number  in  the 
same  manner.  While  this  is  taking  place,  the  woods  have  been 
(Inn'ougldy  ransacked  by  the  sliari)  shooters  who  have  thus 
becouu'  familiar  with  every  ))art  of  it." 

With  all  this  mand'uvring  the  Knglish  generals  were  per- 
fectly satisfied  :  and  in  tins  afteriKxni  they  rode  back  to  lia 
I'rairie  and  dined  with  tin;  (iermau  general.' 


'  111  regard  to  this  iMilerluimiU'nl.  Itii'ikvel  wriU's  to  \\U  witi'  as  tbllows  :  "  On  the 


/\'  •/•///•;  AMhitif.w  ni:vni.iTii>.\. 


05 


llinlrs,.!  l.uljus!  l,.r,  |,a  I'miri,.  .,„  his  way  t..  ins,„rt  his 
soniiMl  , I, vision,  whn,  ,•,  nu'ss,,,.,.,-  Inm.  (l.-.K-n,!  Hup.,.v.i.. 
iM-oMdit  hi.n  Mcw.s  that  tho  AiuericMiis  h,„l  ,n,„l,.  thfir  iipiM.i.r- 
MIKV.  with  lolly  vessels,  on  flic  other  si.Ie  ofth.'  Isle  ai.x  Xuix. 
At  lile  same  time  lie  reeeive.l  ,•,  letter  iVom  (ienenil  IMlillil.s 
"ilnrmuiu  him  ih.t  the  ivl.els  ha.l  oer.ii,ie,l  Point  MU  Ker.  Wie- 
tl.'.^el  retnn.e.l  at  onee.  The  Amerie.ns  l,a,l  emle.vore,!  to 
cross  the  river  mI.ov.'  St.  .John  ami  nttaek  the  troops  ..ornposin- 
the  ridit  win.o  ;  Imt  vi-orous  measures  heino-  i.iiiii,.,|iatelva,lo,,teil 
tl.cv  rel.n.juishe.l    their   .lesion.        j,,   eoiise,,neMee   of'tliis.    the 

'i''nn=ui  (roo,,s  were  foree.l  to  ehaiii^e  their  position  ami  eiieamp. 
""   >li"   ..th,  near  Savanna;  a  movement    whieh   hnMe.ht   them 

"'"'-''''"■  ""■   ''i^'='"<'"    '"■'"vr    Kurt    St.   John.      In   a..eor,lanee 

therefore,  with    this   arraii.ueinent    lli..    I.atta i    ol'  or^,,ia,li..rs 

I'lieaiiipeil  helow  St.  .loiin. 

At  last,  on  thellth.  pivpirations  were  made  for  ero..si j.-.ke 

U.amplain.  The  neees.sary  vessels  ha.l  linallv  h.rn  e.,mpl..,...l 
;""'  "'•'  <■'""•  men  of  war.  wlii..li  ha.l  Invii  tral,spo,t,..I  .,i,  mllers 
by  lan.l,  ha.l  arrive.l.  Althoiidi  tlu.,se  latter  had  t..  be  taken 
apart  alter  beino  move.l  a  few  humliv.l  yar.ls  in  onler  to  mak,. 
tl'"M.  I:d.t..r.  yet  the  nrnhMtakii,.-  was  sm..e.ssful,  an.l  retle...s 
credit  npon  the  perseverance  ..I' the  Hn-lish. 


Oil   the    loth.  Captain   C 


fnur  humlred    Indians.      Th,.   latt.'r  had   tl 


et.ni    moved   np  the   stivani  with 


c.m.sti tilted   the  ad 


H'lr  own  .-allocs  aii.l 


received  ..r.lers  to  cmhark 

The  reiiiainder  weri^  t 

sick  were  t.i  be  taken  l.a.'k  t.,  .M 


ViMic.'.       On    the    llth    the    ( 


i.'rman  hriuadi 


.'  remain 


bafrfiaffo.       The  .let 
Scottish 


cnse    o|    this 


in.miilaiiieeis  ami   th 


seveiity-si.\    men  of   each   company. 

i'l'  the  present,  ill  camp.     The 

mtreal  toiicther  with  th..  heavy 

I'lace    was    ciitriist(..l    to   tin. 


<■  cmi-rant    r..-iiii,.nt  .d'  .Mel. 


ad,  afi.Tlh,.  inspri'tiiiii  nriiiii-  in„ip«.  [  ^-m..  (iciiiTiil  ( ■ai-|, 
c..r.<.  a  f.'r)||i(l  i|iiiii..i-.  lonT^isiinu-  „[  ihirlv-si.\ 


toil  and  ilu-  tJ.'inian  ottl- 


coiirsfs.    I  did  ii  in  I n-  u{ 


■.iviTHaiul  Iwcnly.six  MAw^  in  u 


I  onipli.ii'  liiu'ciirts  :  ami  1  am  m 


my  M)v,.rvii.'n  and  for  the  sake  .if  1; 


1  ..'.iiid  ici-ins  Willi ! 


lis  ti'dop-,     li  u,,s 


I 


Ci;  MA.Ioll  ah'XHItM.  ItlEDKsKh 

Till'  (Icriiiiiii  rt'uiiiifiils  were  distrilmtcd  aiiicni;.'  tlic  (lillcrcnt 

Vessels  ill  tlie  I'cpllnwilij;-  liiiililllT  : 

Xoiiconi. 
OIlloTH.    (illlivrf.     Privates.    Sliipn. 

Uiitlnliiiii  er<ireiiii(l'Mrs 10  :t!t  ;i',>S  ',»:t 

l{ee:i|||c|it    Uiellescl 14  K»  IWd  'iT 

l{e«iiiiriit  iicssiii  llniiuu IS        ;!s         v.\i        ;!•,' 

.|',>        I  IT       I. MO  st2 

On  tlie  ITtli  iif  Se|iteiiiliei-.  llie  secdiid  divisiiiii  ;il  lust  arrived 
.•It  (.^iieliec.  'riieir  lr.iiis|i(irts  liad  left  luiulaiid  siiiiiiltaiii'inisly 
with  tlie  Vessel  liavini;  uii  Imard  tlie  llessia  llaiiau  artillery; 
Imt  the  latter,  snoii  tieeuiniiii^  sejiarated  I'lniii  tlie  rest  nl'  tlu! 
coiiviiy.  i;iit  the  lead.  It  is  sninewhat  siiiuiilar  that  (leiieral 
liiedesel  was  I'nr  sn  ImiL:  in  the  dark  res|ieetini;  the  laiidini:'  id' 
liis  tiiMP|is. 

In  reply  tn  iiis  rei|iiest.  that  the  twn  rei:iliielits  statimied  in 
Quehee  inij;lit  jciiii  him.  (leiieral  Carletoii  in  jiart  eiuisentcd, 
hy  seiidinu'  him  the  reuiiiieiil  id'  drauiinns.  Imt  keejiinj;-  I'riiiei! 
l-'rederick's  tiir  the  )iresent  in  Qiiehee. 

On  the  21st.  the  Hrunswiek  ('a|it!iin  <  >'|)iiMiiell.  who  hail 
eiinie  with  the  seeipiid  divisimi.  ami  was  to  serve  im  Itiedesel's 
staff  as  third  adjiilaiit.  arrived  at  head  ((iiarters.  lie  hroiiuht 
iiilellii;enee  from  (.^tiiehee  that  the  seeinid  division  had  arrived 
on  the  ITtli.  in  five  traiis)iorls.  under  the  I'ommainl  of  Colonel 
S]ie(dil.  hut  that  one  of  the  slii|is.  liavinu'  on  hoard  three  hun- 
dred and  fifty  men.  had  heeoiiie  separated  from  the  rest  of  the 
fleet  seven  weeks  sinei^  Uuriiiii  the  jtas.saire  nineteen  men  had 
died. 

On  the  27th.  (Icneral  Fraser  received  orders  to  advanee  with 
his  hriiiade  to  the  river  ("idle;  it  lieiiii^'  intended  that  the  first 
Iiriiiade  should  oeeil|>y  the  Isle  aiix  Xoi.x.  while  thetierman 
reiiiineiits  should  eiieain|i  near  St.  John.  .\ieordin!.;ly.  mi  the 
liioiniii'.^  of  the  27tli.  ( leiieral  Hiedesel  left  his  camp  •ear  l.a 
Savanna  and  oeeu]iied  the  one  to  whicdi  he  had  heeii  ordered. 
On  the  same  day.  (leiieral  Hurgoyne  cdutnged  his  head  quartors 


A 


/.v  /■///■;  .i.i//;/,vr.i.v  iiEytii.rrnis. 


67 


(Vnn.  Cliiiinl.U  I,.  St.  .Inhn.  <  )ii  tlir  iM  of  OcIuImt.  th,.  (  I.t,,,,-,.! 
brijrmic  M-Miii  l.i-,,k,.  u|>  their  ,.„,„,,  ,„„1  m.sscd  tn  llic  Islr  ,nix 

Noix.     On    tl.,.  >,,„..■   .Imv.  ni„.   Ii liv,l  mimI  lliirtv  iMMts  w.tc 

ilish-ilMitcd  MiiKiii-  (lie  .liH;.|viit  n-iiiiriils.  KmciI  ;:cii,.r,il  rc- 
(•.■ivod  two  cnvcivl  i;,r  liiiiis,.|f,-.M,l  suit.  |.:,.,<.l.  \,<,A.  i.iuivmv.t. 
WiiN  l.uilt  to  cniitMin  tw.'iitv  men.  On  ili,.  :.>!)tli  ..f  ScptiMiiLcr. 
(i.Mi(.r;il  IJuronvMc  a-Min  cIimi.j:...!  I.is  1.,..m1  ,|iiMri,.|-s  to  tl.r  Isl.. 
!iux  Noix. 

.\otwitlist;.i.,liii-  this  was  the  tiist  time  that  thr  (I.Tlimil 
troops  had  iMrn  on  hoard  su.di  l.oats  —  wlii(di  tlicy  had  to  row 
thi'iMs.dv.'s~(;,.n.'ral  liiod.wl  was  niiKdi  phviscd  with  thistir.-t 
trial.  II..  j.rais.'s.  ..specially,  thr  ,|.iictii.-ss  and  or.hT  witli  wliich 
evurythin;;'  was  done. 

Captain  hanodi.'r...  adjutant  -cncral  to  (Icncral  Carh'ton. 
wlio  liad  hwn  sent  out  to  roronnoitre.  returned  on  the  ;!d  ,d' 
OclolK.r.  and  announeed  tliat  Point  au  Ker.  to-ether  with  tlie 
ish'  la  .Motte.  had  heen  evacuated  l,y  Hie  .Xnu^rieans.      II.'  als,, 

reporte.l  tl,at.   with   tin'' ..x.vpti.ui  of  a   small   - hda.   h.^   had 

"'''■' ''''".^    wiiatev.'r  of  their  .ship.s.       In    (aet,   all   that    was 

known   r.-ar.lin-  th.'   eu.'u.y's   fle,.^   ou    Lak.-  Chau.plaiu    was. 

"'•"  '^  '"'^f''''  "'■  ''"'"■   in..u-ot-war.      Itespeeliu.u   th..   nuniher 

of  .-mailer  vessels,  nothin-  d.'linit..  was  known.  Captain  Lano- 
di.-re  prel,.nd.Ml  that  h..  ha.l  s.vn  smoke  l.ehind  (iran.l  island, 
hut  he  was  unahl..  to  ,say  anythin-  further.  I'.xe.-pt  that  he  sup- 
l.os..,l   the    rel.els    wvr..    hi.hlen    h-diiud    that    island.       C.n.Tal 


Carleton.  upon  this  r.'jiort.  d.'t 


lie.  therel'ore.  took  two  oi'ih 

tind    the    Carleton.    l.,.si<l,.s    -ondi.his    and 


ermined   to    ree.uiuoitre   himsell'. 
'■  n.'Mtest  war  l.oats.  the  Lady  .M 


v.'s.s.ds.   and    posted    himsell 


point  au  Per.  at  tli 
d  in  tl 


y  .Mary 
tweiiiy-Hiur    armed 
lietween    the    Isle    la     .Mode    .in,! 


•  ■  mouth  ofth..  lake.      TJie  ti 


remain.'il  Ml  tli.'ir  positions.     In  r.'uard  to  tl 


(riMK-ral  Riedesi'l.  wifl 


i|is.  meanwhil.' 
le  .s.'cond  division 


},we  on  thi.  4th  orOctoher  the  I 


1  the  I-  .iiseiit  of  th.'  eiiiniiianiler  in  eliieC 


T 


illowiliu-  orilel' 


II'  reuimeiit  ol'.lra;. 


a.lvan.'e  as  I'ar  as  St  Therese.  two  1 


'oiisand  the  liulit  tn 


d'l 


>ariier.  will 


lours'  inarci.  helow  St.  .loh 


I 


fis 


M.X.lOll  (IH\h:itM.  ItlKDF^KL 


tln'V  will  m'IhI  ill  tlicir  ri'|inr(s  IVniii  tlicri'.  mikI  unit  liir  furllicr 
orders.  Ccilciiu'l  Spcclit,  with  cmc  icuimcnt  iiml  ii  lialt'.  will 
.•iilvMiii'c  til  ( 'liMiiililv.  .111(1.  iil'lfr  rc|iiii-tiiiL:.  will  mI.sh  iiwjiit  I'lir- 
tliiT  iiidiTs.  'I'lic  linlt  III'  ('(iliiiii'l  S|ii'('lil'.-.  rciiiiiu'iit  wliicii 
I't'iiiiiiii.s  nil  liiianl  tlic  .xliip  l''rit'sl:iiiil.  is  In  dn  irtirrisnn  duty  at 
Ti'nis  Uivit-rcs  until  I'lirtlicr  nnlcrs.  'I'lic  twn  Knj;lisli  rc;;iiii('iits. 
wliicli  lire  lit  CliMiiilily  .'iiid  St.  TIiitcsc.  iirc.  as  sunn  as  the 
scciiiid  hriiiisw  ick  ilisisimi  lias  rcaclnd  tlic  ii('i;:lilinrliniid  nf 
Ciiaiiilily.  tn  mavcli  tn  St.  .Jnliii  and  jniii  tlic  twn  hlni^lisii  rcj^i- 
iiiciits  already  tliere.  Ah  snnii.  alsn.  as  Lieutenant  (leiieral 
Min-enyne  leaves  the  Isleaux  \ni.\  with  the  first  I'liii^iish  lirii:ade 
and  advalliM'S  with  the  (ieniiaii  tiiiii|is.  the  seeniid  Kii;:lisli 
brigade  will  necniiy  '''•'  l'^'^'  ""•'^  Nnix.  The  draj;nniis  and  tlie 
IJninswiek  lii.:hf  inl'aiitry  will  eiieani|i  near  St.  .Inhii  ;  Init 
Cnlniiel  Speelit  is  tn  remain  ill  tiie  vicinity  id'  ('liainldy.  in 
ease  the  reheis  shmild  ntler  resistance.  rei|uiriii,ii'  ninri'  trnnjis. 
then  the  draunmis  and  liiiht  intiintry  will  ailvancc  tn  the  lake, 
and  Cnloiiel  Speclit  will  ncciiiiy  *'"'  '"""1'  "•■■■'I'  1^*-  ''01111." 

Tlie  jinsitinii  III' the  army  nn  that  day  wasas  f'njlnws  :  Caiitain 
('arletiin.  with  fmir  hundred  Indians,  and  siune  ('anadians. 
I'nrnied  the  first  line  at  I'niiit  an  l''er  lieinii'  slmrtly  after 
reenf'orced  Ky  mie  huinlreii  vnliinteers  under  ('a]ilain  Kraser. 
Fraser's  hriuaih'  '  with  the  Knuiish  i:reiiadiers.  the  liiiht  infantry 
and  the  21th  iteuinient.  were  tn  theriulit.  mi  the  left  hank  nf 
the  Hivor  la  Cnlle.  liieutenant  (leiieral  IJiiri^nyne.  with  the 
first  Kiiiilish  liripide  cniisistiiii;-  nf  fniir  reuimeiits  —  the  Itth, 
21st.  :>lst.  and  17th  —  the  (iernian  liriiiade.  eniisistintr  nf  the 
liattalimi  nf  i;reiiadieis.  the  reuinieiit  liiedcsel  and  the  rcLiinient 
Hesse  llaiiau.  was  statimied  nn  the  Isle  aiix  Nnix.  (ieiii'ral 
I'nwell.  with  the  L'Uth.  (I^d  tsiid  a  jiart  nf  the  2!ltli  Henimeiit. 
was  iilaeed  near  St.  .Inhn.  (Jeiieral  I'liiliijis  was  alsn  in  that 
vicinity.  The  WM\\  i{ci;iiiicnt  was  in  the  neiiihlinrhmid  nf  St. 
Thorese.  and  tlie  liltli  near  Clninitilv.      The  I'lltli  Iteuiinenl  was 


I  liunorul  l-'riii-LT,  not  t'aiiliiiii  I'"iasiT. 


/\  I  UK  .\.MHI!IC.[.\  ItHVOI.l  ri(i.\. 


m 


(livid.'il  ,•!■<  iMInws;  .,ii.>  ciinii.iiiv  mi  l.n.inl  the  ■^liip.  \m\\  .Mmit; 

lll|i;.ll,V  on   tllf  Cirli.tuli;    nri.'  cnlnlMIIV  nil    ill''    I  llflcX  il.lf  ; 

(lilt!  ciiiiiiMiiy  Hii  till!  |{tMl.>)ill  (fluiitilii;  liMlhTvi;  :ili(l  oiic-li;ill' .if 
a  cniiiiMiiy'Hi  the  piiidol.is.  On  lli..  sum.' (l;iy  llic  InHcxiM.'. 
•Mrniiiu  twenty  twrKf-poimd.'r.s  ami  ten  f^inallcr  f.niii.x.  Niilrd 
liy  llii'  l>lc'  aiix  N'ciix. 

On  tlu'diiy  i;,l|,.winnf(;,.|i,.nil  IJicdi'scl.  in  |ici->nii,  ivconm.itivd 
ii'tiir  vinnityof  I'uint  ,,,1  Ivr.tlir  Isle  h,  .M,,ii,..  ,,iid  tlu'  innntli 
'd'  I.Mkf  Cliaiiiidain.  Ilciv  h,.  fnnnd  (i<'ii.Tal  ('arl,.t..ii  ridiii- 
at  aiiclmr.  and  accunlinuly  rc|M,rti'd  In  liim.  Tlir  latter  lind 
"rdrred  ('Mptain  I'nisei'.  with  a  party  of  judiaiis.  t,i  advance  to 
the  furthest  extremity  of  Point  an  l'"er;  and  < 'attain  Carletoii, 
with  Mnntln.r  party  of  Indians,  to  march  to  the  hdt  on  the  ri-ht 
hank  opp,,site  I'oint  an  Ker.  At  the  same  time  he  dispatched 
four  trustworthy  oflicers  in  advance  to  discover  the  wliereahoiits 
of  the  enemy,  and  particularly  to  liml  out  whether  the  canal 
hctw.'cii  Loiio-  and  (iraiid  islands  was  in  their  possession. 

On  the  7th.  another  party  was  ordered  out  hy  (leni'ral  Carle- 
ton  in  a  dirt'erent  direction.  Oaptain  Fra.ser.  with  his  Indians 
and  Canndiansadvanced  as  far  as  the  Cumherland  hay  ;  Captain 
Carlcton  occupied  Isle  la  .Motte ;  (leneral  Traser.  with  hi.s 
hriuade.  encamped  near  I'oint  au  I'er ;  and<;eiieral  Mnrnovn.'. 
with  the  Hr.sthriuade.  encamped  near  the  lliver  la  Colle.  (JtMie- 
ral  |{ie(h>.scl.  was  ordered  to  remain  at  Isle  aiix  Noi.x.  until  the 
secoml  hriuade.  under  I'owell.  arrived  from  St.  .ioliii,  when  he, 
also,  was  to  advance. 

The  Hrunswiek  troops  had  jdeiity  to  do  while  on  the  island. 
Hesiilesperforiniiiu' military  duty  in  the  fortiticationsas  sentinels. 
I'tc.  they  were  ohliiicd.  when  oil'  duty,  to  w.irk  on  the  fortilica- 
tioiis.  and  to  brin,--  up  ])rovisiims  from  St.  .lohii  in  small  lioat.s 
ill  order  to  reidcnish  the  ma-a/ines.  Ma-azines  and  d'pots 
were  estahlished  on  the  island  that  everytliiiiii-  iiii-ht  he  clo.se 
at  liand  when  the  army  crossed  the  lake.  This,  indee.l.  was  tin; 
chief  reason  for  so  stron-ly  lortifyiiiLr  the  island.  Mesides  the 
t'ortitifations,  block-houses  and  barracks  were  also  erected. 


I 


70 


MA.Iiilt  i,/:\hl.\\l.  Illh:iih:.sh:i. 


( >n  till'  !)lli  III'  <  >i'tnli.'r  till'  t'i'Jil  |{i'>:iiiH'iil  iirrivcil  mi  tlif  i.»liiii<l. 
Till'  Millie  iliiv.  mil'  III' till'  liiiir  ntViri'i^,  wlm  IimiI  lirrn  si'iit  mit  tn 
I'rriilllinitl'i'.  ('jl|it;lill  Liilinilirlr.  ri'|iiirtril  tii  tii'lli-nii  Cill'lclmi 
lli.'it  lit'  Ii.'hI  siiilnl  Mi'iiiiiiil  Lmi;^  Mini  (ii'aiiil  i>l!iiiil>.  willimit 
diHciiviM'iii^  Miiy  tnu'i'^*  nt'tlu'  I'licinv. 

Ill  rmisi'i|ii('iici'  lit'  lliis  i't'|im't.  ( iciici'iil  Ciirlrtmi  Milv.iiiri  il 
witli  nil  Ills  wiir  vi'ssi'ls  with  llic  iilijcrt  nl' liiiiliii;:  iiiiihittiii'kiiiji' 
iiMV  III'  tilt'  I'lit'iiiv  lli;it  I'liiilil  1)1'  I'miiiil.  Till'  iiiiiiu'.-  Ill'  till' 
Kiiiili^li  Will'  vt'SM'ls  iit  till'  ilis|iiiHiil  III'  (IfiH'ral  Ciirli'tmi  wt'ff : 
IkI,  till'  Iiitli'xilili'  III'  twi'iitv  t\vt'lvr-|imiiiili'rM  iiiiil  ti'ii  HiiiJillcr 
j:iiiis.  (Tliis  wiis  flit'  iiii'fst  vcssi'l  iit'tlit'  littlf  fit't't  iiiiil  \v!is  mily 
fiiiiHlu'il  mi  tilt'  1st  of  OctiilitT).  liil.  tilt'  l,;iilv  .Mill  V  lit' tiuirti'iiii 
^iiiis  ;  l>il.  till'  Ciii'li'tmi  III'  twt'lvf  jiiiiis  ;  Itli,  a  pmilnla  nt'  twi'lvc 
;rnns  i'a)itiift'il  t'niiii  llii'  Aiiifiii-aiis  ;  ."till.  aiiiilliiT  vi'ssri  of  iwrlve 
fziiiis.  alsii  taki'ii  t'niiii  tlu'  Aiiii'ricaiis  ;  (itii.  a  tlnatiiij;' linttci'v  iit' 
six  t\vi'iity-rmii-|imiiii|i'rs.  anil  Ifii  t\vi'lvi'-|imiiiili'i's  fallrtl  llio 
iiatli  Mil  ;  anil  Till,  tmi  ;:iiii  Imats.  I'liriTiiij:  tlirt't'  faiiiimis  t-ai'li, 
wliicli  liail  just  anivi'il  I'rmii  Kii^laiiil.  On  llif  HMli.  it  was 
vi'|im'ti'il  til  (ii'iu'i'al  Carli'tmi  that  tlu'  Aiiifrii'aii  tli't't  hail  lict'ii 
•st'i'ii  iii'ar  (Jraiiil  islaiiil.  111'.  tliiTt'tiiri'.  sailril  tlif  saint'  aCtt'l'- 
iiiiiiii  as  far  as  the  twii  islaiiils.  ami.  in  tin'  I'Vt'iiiii;:'.  t-ast  aiichtir 
lii'twi't'ii  LmiM'  anil  (Iraml  islamls.  Thfiifi'.  tht-  iii-xt  iiim-iiiiii;, 
lit'  sailt'il  in  till-  iliri'ftimi  in  whii-li  tht-  fiii'iiiv's  ships  wrro  lust 
si'i'ii.  W'liiii'  jiassiiifj:  tn  the  left  of  the  small  island.  \m  \'aleur, 
till'  atlvanee  n'jim'teil  that  a  frii:ati'  of  the  eiieinv  was  sailiiij^ 
lit'liiinl  this  island. 

The  Carli'tmi.  wliieli  was  sent  after  the  .Vmeiieaii  frifriito, 
was  nut  alile  tn  overtaki'  her.  iiwiiii;'  tii  emitrarv  winds.  'I'eii 
l^iin  liiiats  were,  therefure.  disiiatehed  in  piirsiiit  nf  the  fri;.^•lte. 
They  |iiirsueil  her  sn  ehisely  that  she  was  driven  iiit"  the 
island  La  \'aleiir.  where  she  stramleil.  In  this  ehase.  uue  nf 
tlu,  Kiijriisli  sliiii|is.  having  mi  Imard  the  Hesse  ilaiiaii  artillery, 
was  sunk.  Kurtiinately.  however,  all  her  crew  were  .saved. 
After  the  straiidinii  nf  thin  ves.sel.  the  Carletmi.  under  Cap- 
tain   l>aeres.   .sailed    fur   the   liav  at    the   end  n['  (iraiiil    i.slaiid. 


i 


/A  iiih:  .1  ]ii:uii[\  iinviti.rnos. 


n 


lliTi'  llu'  I'litirt'  ticit  111'  llir  I'liciiiv  w.iM  ili-iiiviTi'il  ;  iioiwith- 
stiiiidiii^  wliicli.  Iiiiwcvcr.  lie  slccri'il  ilircillN  I'nr  it.  ami  ciii^t 
iiiicliiir.  Iiiiiiiriliiili'ly  a  tn'iiiriiiliiu.H  ciimiioiiihIi'  whh  ii|i('Mt'i|  mi 
Imtli  sides.  It  was  the  ilcsij.'-ii  nf  the  lira\c  hiicrcs  to  iircvciit 
the  clliMliv's  fleet  IVnill  eseiiiiiiiy:  IVniii  llie  liav  until  file  ndier 
slii|ps  slniiilil  iiri'ivi' ;  ancj  in  llii-  in'  was  snceessi'ni.  Tin' 
Cai'leton.  aitlniii^li  very  hiueli  ilaina^eil.  sIihmI  it  liiavelv  till 
ei;:lit  n'elnck  in  the  evening;,  wln'ii  the  Knt;li>li  fleet  eanie  to 
the  I'eseiie.  The  hitter  iinineilialely  liirineil  in  line  of  hattle 
in  tVnnt  III'  the  hav.  their  lel'i  wini:  re>tini;  mi  the  shme.  ami 
their  riuht  mi  the  Isle  la  N'aleiir.  At  the  same  time,  several 
Vessels  were  sent  tn  the  riL'Ilt  tu  eiit  nlV  the  eM'ajie  nf  the  ene- 
my's ships  thrmi^h  the  )>a>sa;i<'  I'mined  liv  La  N'aleiir  ami 
flraiul  islands.  It  lieinv;  tun  late  ti>r  a  i^emral  att.iek.  the  slii|i.s 
east  aliehnr.  every  mie  I'e.'liiii;  eertaili  that  the  enemy  emild  imt 
eive  them  the  slip.  ISut  (ieneral  .Vriiuld  ijiiietly  iioi^ted  aiii'hi.r 
diiriii;r  tlu'  iii;;'ht  ;  and  sailing:  rmind  the  left  win;:,  aided  hy  a 
fiivmahle  wind,  the  .\nieriean  Heel  eseaped  safely  under  en\er 
of  the  darkness.  His  escape,  Imwever.  was  greatly  t'aeililaled 
liy  the  I'aet  that  every  mie  was  sn  emitidenl  id'  eapl  iiriiiL; 
him  in  the  imirnin^r.  seareely  any  waleh  was  kept  dnriiii;  the 
iiiiiht.  The  ni'.xt  iiinrnini;-,  thereliire.  when  the  I'liiiiiisli  weri' 
nhmil  to  make  the  haul  wliii  h  they  had  emisidered  sn  certain, 
they  iipened  tlieir  eyes  wide  iipmi  discuvcrini;'  that  their  prey 
had  escaped,  (ielieral  Carletun  was  in  a  ratic  lie  at  miet! 
had  the  anehnrs  wei;ili<'d.  ;ind  sailed  idV  in  pnrsnit.  |{iit  in  his 
hiiste  and    exeifement    lie   liiruiit    In    leave    instriictimis   I'ur  the 

army  mi   the  land,   rrmn   whmn,   as  a   emisei|iiem'e,   he  Ix iik; 

more  and  more  separated.  The  wind,  however.  Iieiiii;  ailvcrse. 
and  niithini;'  haviiiLi'  heeii  seen  of  the  enemy,  he  returned  ami 
cast  anchor  in  the  hay  in  which  he  had  passed  the  previous 
ni^iht.  Pesiriiij:.  however,  relialde  news  of  the  enemy's  flei't, 
he  sent  out  a  scmitin;:-  party  who  soon  returned  and  reported 
that  the  .\mericans  had  anchored  liehind  Idehay-Liers  island. 
Carletmi.   therefore,   remained  stationary  diirin;;-  the   day;   hut 


i 


72  MA./oi,'  a h:\Fit.\i.  ii' I /■:/)/■>■/■:/. 

lis  siMiii   IIS   it  \v:is  <lark.   Ic   ImistiMl  niiclinr.   ,iiiil.    in   Njiitc  ot' a 
CDiitraiT  wi'i'!    sailcil  in  [hv  dircctiun  ot'tlu'  cncniy. 

On  till'  Minrniiiii  lA'  tin  I'itii.  li;'  I'.iiiu'  ii|i  wilii  llir  rrl  I'l'a.inj; 
tli'ft  III'  tlir  I'lii'iiiv  iii'ar  llic  i>lanil  ni'  (^hiatif  \rnl-.  At  lialt- 
|iasl  cicNcii  111'  was  SI  I  lira!'  tliat  raiinnliailinL;  was  Iicliiiii;  anil 
liy  twrivc  o'l'liii'k  till'  AinrriiMiis  witi'  i'iiI  otV.  iiail' nl' tlu'ir  Hri't 
i'M-a|iini;  tliniiiiili  a  wlili'  ln'inl  in  llu'  lake,  ('arli'tun  iniisiicil. 
anil  f'nrci'il  tlir  ri'cws  111' tivi'  111'  till'  slii|is  tn  si't  till'  111  thrill  anil 
cscajii'  til  till'  slmri'.  Ill'  tlirii  ri'ni'wi'il  tlir  I'liasc  ai'tiT  ilir 
iitlii'i'  tiMi  sliijis.  anil  witii  sinii  siii'i'css  ikat.  liavini:  ilrivi'ii  tlii'iii 
(liiwn  till"  rapiils  III'  Um-lu'  l''i'nilii.  lii' attai'ki'il  tlicni.  caiitiircil 
line  lit'  till'  vi'ssi'is.  anil  linniril  anntlifr.  Tlii'  Aini'lii-ans.  Iia\  intr 
saved  only  tivi'  i.t'  tlirir  slii|is.  linally  n'aclii'il  'ricniiiltTiifra. 
Af'ti'v  tliis  \irtiiiiiii  s  I'liuai'cincnt.  ( 'arli'tiin  cast  ani'lnir  lictwoeii 
limiir  I'liiilii  an.lCiiiwn  ii'.iiit  in  oi'ili'r  tu  fi-st  Iiis  tiivd  tn  ii|is. 
'I'iiis  (■nt;a'_:rniriil  la>li'il  IVnni  lialr-|iast  I'li'vcn  in  llir  Miiii'iii"u' 
niitii  i'i;jiil  in  llii' cvi'iiini:' ;  and  it  is  ri'inarkaldi'  that  iliii'inu' 
till'   whiiii'  111'  till'  i'ni;ai:iinriil   nut  a  siiii:!  ■   nnn  mi    thr   -idc  ut' 

I'  Knj;li>h  was  ritliiT  wmiMdrd  ur  killid  ;  (uiii'lal  ' 'ailctiiil, 
niily.  icci'ivnl  a  sliLiht  wiiund  in  tlir  lirad  iVuni  a  s|iliiiti'f  turn 
11)1  hy  a  hall.  The  luimher  nl'  Aineiiians  ea|ituri'i|  aniininled 
til  line   hundred  and  ten  men. 

Till' ( 'arleliiii.  whieh  stnnil  her  '.jrnniiii  sn  liravi  ly  aiiainst  the 
wllnli'  tieet  iiT  till'  enemy,  had  nlie  ntlii'iT  l^illed.  and  twelve  dead 
and  Wiiillided.  Tin  IViviate.  whieli  stranih'd  mi  ile  lltli.  was 
tile  Itnyal  Saii\a'.^('  nl'  sixteen  uniis.  On  Imaf  I  id'  her  was 
(leiierai  .\rniilil  wlm  had  ennie  that  d.iy  Irmii  ('rn',\.i  |iiiint  with 
nimiey  and  |ir.i\  islnii.^  liir  the  lleet.  The  l';nL:li>h  a  I  rst  tliminlit 
that  all  the  men  mi  Imard  nf  lu'r  wmild  he  ea|iliiri'i|  ;  Imt  (ieiie- 
ral  .\rihild  nianaiied  tn  esea|ie  tn  the  island  \  aleiir.  On  the 
(i|i|iiisite  >iile  111'  ihi>  inland  there  was  annlher  vessel,  in  which 
lie  and  his  men.  with  llie  urealer  jiart  nl'  the  freiLiht  nl'ihe  Insl 
I'riiiate.  eseaiu'd. 

In  (ieneral  liiede.sel's  jmirnal  we  lind  the  t'lilluwiiij;  list  .d'tlie 
tiei't  : 


^^. 


/.V  rilE  AMKUICAS  HEVOIAITHtS. 


78 


N'amk  ((f  Siiii's. 
Royal  Siiu\ii»4  , 

Ml'Vrlljrc^ 
A    Ulllrilll, 


ClHI^I■^s^ 


\VaHliiiij.>-ii)ii, 


O  A  MOTS. 

(ft  Ns. 

J    M  siX-|M)UII(llTS. 

/  4  foiii'  iiomidi  IS. 
\  4  f<ix-|Miiin(lcrs, 

\  ti  t'nlll-lMillllllcl-S. 

Ill  I'liir  |>(iiin<lci's, 

(fAI,l,inS. 
'i.  i'ij,'lllcrli  iioiilidris, 
■  'i.  t\vclv(-]M)uiulfrs, 
(i  si>!-;Kmn(lcrw, 

12  ri^riltt'<'M  |iiiiiii(liTS, 
'i,  tWclvr  |P(iulll|(TS, 
0  hIx  ]Hllin(liTS, 
Vl  I'ia'litccii  |i(i{iii(liTs. 
j  'J  t  wi'lvi'  |Miiiiiiicrs, 
[(I  si\-|Minnili'i-s, 
f  1  twi'lvi'  |iiimi(lcr, 
\  1  iiiiif-|i(ninili  r, 
[4  six  |i(Muiiici   , 

(i()M)()l,.\S. 

(  1  I'ijriiti'i'ii  |"iiin(li  r, 
( 3  t\vclv('-piimi(l(  IS, 
( 1  (■ijrlitcciipoimdfr, 

I  3   tW<'lvi'-|HHlIl(lcl'S, 
(  1    (■icrlitiM'll.|M)llllllc'r. 
'  ?  '  '.rl    ('-IMmililiTS, 

Kivc     ll|ll,.|-     Slllilll     i       (,'i  C.    -lltlTll   pOllMll.TS, 

••nit't,  /  10  twi'lvi'  iPdiimlcrs, 

A  caiitiifcil  si  i;),  H  ynns. 

'riltlll.    III  VrSM'lr   Cnlrvillir   100  (rilllS. 


Fait.. 
StriiiKJiMl  and  Imnicd  liy 
tlii-  Eiij^lisli. 

I'lscapi'd. 

Ksi-a|pci|. 


MI'lWM    Mil. 


'I'ruiulinil. 

JjCf  (SKHip). 

Hostdii. 
Jcrsi'V, 
Xaiiic  uiikiiinvii 


Taki'ii. 


Jvscaprd, 


\N'iis  (iiiind  :'  Ciw  duvs 
llltrl'  ill  a  h;  y,  aliaii- 
d d  hv  til'  civw. 


Sunk. 
'I'aki'ii. 

Stramlfd. 

HiiniiMJ  liy  till'  rrlii'Is. 
Fate  iiiikniiwn. 


Of  till' (icrniaiis.  Liniti'iiant  I'\iy  id' tlir  If. 's.-^r  Ihiiiaii  .ntillrry 

'lisfiimuislii'd   liiiii,<,'lf  i>M  this  iicrasiini.       Ilr  was   in  ihii.imiI 

oi'  ill!  aniH'il   sloii|i  iMrryinu  a  t\M'lvi'-|)oiiiiili_'r ;    and   altliiiiiL;li 
lit'  was  lianl  iircs.scil   hy  tlir  nii'iny.  and    lii.'^  vcssol  finaliv  sunk. 
In-   yet   tbufilit   .so   dt's|M'rat('ly  as  tu   siiccci'd    in  savinj;  liis   liiiii 
10 


74 


MA.IliIl  flh:.\KIl.\L  niKllKSKL 


iiiid  liriniriiii;'  it  tu  tlic  vessel  uf  (^;i]itiiiii  I'ensli.  Two  nf  liis 
men.  liDwevei',  were  dniwiied.  Mild  lie  li.indv  ese;i|ied  a  similar 
fate. 

Tile  eniiraocdus  ('a|rfaiii  |)Meres.  wlm  had  cniitriliiited  sci 
miudi  tciwai'd  tlie  siie<-ess  of  tliis  eii;;a^('iiieiit.  liad  tile  honor  of 
lieiiii:'  sent  to  Kniiiaiid  to  carry  the  tidinus  of"  this  victory  to  the 
kinir.i 

Immeili.'iejy  al'ler  this  eneajieineiil.  I!i'ih>el  left  his  i|iiarters 
on  isle  an  Neix.  ;;!\d  eiicain]ped  near  the  river  La  Colle.  A  com- 
|iaiiy  of  (Si'iiiiswiekers  was  sent  at  the  same  time  still  farther 
foiward  to  a  jioiiit  northerly  alioul  half  way  hetwi'eii  the  river 
I.M  Colle  and  I'oi.it  ail  l"'er.  (ieiieral  itiedestd.  somi  after 
inoviii;^'  to  liis  new  location,  wi'iit  to  i'oint  an  Fer  to  re|»ort  to 
(Jeiieral  IJiiruciyne  and  receive  his  further  orders.  Ijion  his 
arrival,  he  found  the  whole  of  the  lir>l  hriuade  eiii;at;t'cl  in 
elnliarkinu.  (leneral  !>iirL;o\  ne  had  alreadv  lel'l  ;  hi.~  adjiitaiit. 
{''r'Hik  Clark,  reinaiiied  heliiiid  for  tin'  |iiii'|>ose  ot'  eommiini- 
eaiiii'j  Mnruoyiie's  orders  to  Hieilesid.  Thoe  instructions  were 
to  the  etleet  that  the  latter  was  to  advaiii'i'  with  his  troojis.  to 
point  an  I''ei'.  leavini;  only  tlio>e  of  his  men  who  hail  not  yet 
reaihed    him.       .^lcallwllile    three   hundred   men.    under   a   stall' 

<dlicci'.    Were    to    coiitiiiiie    ill    the    iieiiihiiorh 1    of    La    Colle. 

(leneral  ituiiioyne.  it  >eems.  had  rccei\i'd  ordei>  fimii  Carlcton. 
who  had  taken  po.'-session  of  I'oint  an  T'cr.  to  adxaiiee  at  once 
with  the  liist  hrii:ade  and  the  hriiiaile  of  (leneral  h'raser. 
(leneral  Carlitoii.  desirous  of  hasteiiini;-  the  tiaiis|iorlatioii  of 
the  ,»u|i]dies  lor  the  mai:a/iiie>  on  ish'  an  .\oi,\.  i^ave  orders 
ih.il  lh(>  rcLiiment  n'l'  iiesse  llaiiaii  shcuihl  march  hack  to  La 
Colic,  and  the  2(lth  and  (12il  Kiiiilish  rc>;iinents  to  Isle  au 
.\oi.\.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Mreymaiin,  who  had  lieeii  cncani]ied 
at  La  Colic,  rejoined  the  l>run>wick  troo|i>  u|>iiu  the  air'i\al  o|' 
the  iL'>sians. 


'  (Jriirnil  I'liillip-  irliilnl  llii-  iiliovc  iU ciMMit  nl'  llie"  I'tiLrHi-'i'liiriil   In  Kiiilc-cl  per- 

!<OIIUllV. 


f 


/  \  riii:  I  v*iii<'A.\  iit:\in,i  riiis  75 

On  tlic  Istli.  (  JciicimI  Biir;:iiviif  n'tiiriicil  tVuiii  ('r<iwii  jmint. 
hrinirini;'  urdcrs  IVniii  ( Iciirnil  Ciirlctun  tn  liiivc  :ill  tlic  tnMi|i.--  pi 
intn  wiiitiT  i(ii;irt('rs.     Tlic  iic'iicr.il  |il:iii  \v;is  ;is  t'ollnws: 

At  Crown  jMiint — tlic  c(ir|i^  nt' (iciiciMl  l'"r;iscr. 
••    St.  .lulin — ;in  Kiiulisli  lMttMlii)ii. 

••    .^ll  lilt  real — Tlic  kiiiu's  artillery  mihI  an  l']nL:li>li  Kattaliciii. 
"    t^iiclicc  —  Two  I'iiiiili.^li  liaflalions. 
'■    Isle  ail  Noix  —  An  Kiii;lisli  liattalion. 

The  (icrinan  tioops  were  to  winter  on  the  Clianilily  river  I'mni 
('iiaiuliiy  to  Sorel  in  llie  Trois  llivieres  distriel.  senilini;.  however, 
(letaeliineiits  to  Itieolet  ami  Matiscan.  ami  to  tiie  hank-  ol'  the 
Masea  ami  St.  i'"raneis  rivers.  The  shores  ot'the  St.  Lawreiiee. 
iVoin  Chateau  <iai;e  to  Coiitreeoeiir.  top'ther  with  the  ii|i|)er  |iart 
of  the  islaml  of  .Nlontreal  ami  tlm  jiarish  ol'  1,  Wssunijilinn.  were  to 
bo  oecujiied  hy  an  Kniilish  hriirade.  the  Indian  allies  and  the 
I'lirps  of  Colomd  .^I(•l.eall.  The^Mth  Kiii^lisli  Ueuimeiit  wa>  >eiit 
to  (^iieliee  to  take  the  )ila<'e  of  the  l{rnii>wi(k  reiriinenl  of  I'rinee 
l'"rederiek.  wliiidi  was  sent  to  the  oilier  Mriiiiswii'k  troojis.  In 
refi'ard  to  the  winter  i|iiarlers  of  tlie  l.itler.  (ieiieral  IJiedi'Md 
issued  the  following  order: 


■•  ( );'d 'r  of  niareli  into  wiiiti'r  c|ii.irlers  for  the  (Irrmai  troojis, 
as  eoniinamled  hy  his  e.\e(dleney  t  ieiieral  C.irletoii. 

"On  the  niorninu- of  the  "Jlst.  at  7  o'clock,  the  coin|iaiiy  of 
yi'iircrs.  the  hattalion  of  i.'rcnadicr>.  and  the  rc^iiiicnt  Uiedexd 
are  in  leave  I'oint  an  l'"er  and  |iroeeed  to  St.  John  in  their 
liatcaii.x.  after  de)iositiiii;   their   |irovi>ions.  which   tlic\   had  for 

si.v   days,  in  the  inaua/.ine  at    the  former  id They  are  then 

to  enc;ini|i  on  the  >anie  spot  which  was  forincrl\  occc|iieil  hy 
the  liattalion  of  t:reiiadiei-.  The  ri'iiinieiit  of  l!c,->e  llan.in. 
whi(di  is  at  |ircseiit  stationed  at  La  Colic,  are  also  to  leave  there 
on  the  morrow,  and  to  select  the  lii'>t  )ilace  for  a  cainii  at  *»l. 
.lohn.      This   regiment  arc  also   to  deliver  the  |iio\  iv|,,|is  ihev 

have  on  h.iiid.  into  the  ma<:a/.iiic  at  St.  •lohn.      Tli iii|ianv  of 

yiip'i's   is  t(i   unite  at:aiii   with    the  liattalion   of   li^ht    infant  rs 


'f 


7t) 


MAJOR  GENERAL  RlEDESEl 


iit  St.  .Tuliii.  Colcpiit'l  S|)('clit.  with  llic  liiilt'  <pf  liis  n';fiin(?iit 
and  tlii^  rc^jiinciit  \i>\\  Itlictz.  is  to  marrli  on  tlu!  22(1,  iVoni 
('luMiili'y  to  St.  Cliarli's.  takiiijr  as  imicli  provisions  tVoni  tlio 
niai.'aziiii'  at  ("liamMy  as  lii;  considi-rs  ni'res.sary  lor  the  niari'h. 
Colonel  S|i('clit  will  continue  his  march,  until  he  crosses  the  St. 
liawrence  near  Sorel.  as  tar  as  Three  Kivers.  at  which  |Miint 
the  other  half  of  his  rej:inient  are  to  a';ain  unite  with  him.  His 
rejriment  will  then  he  .sent  into  winter  ijuarters.  anil  occupy  tlio 
parishes  of  (Miani]ilaiu  and  one-half  of  Hutisca  and  St.  Anne — ■ 
the  other  half  of  these  latter  two  parishes  to  he  occupieil  hy  the 
rejriment  \'oii  Htietz.  I'roportiouate  detachments  of  these 
re^'iuient.s  are  to  he  sent  to  the  parishes  on  the  other  side  of  tho 
river — that  is.  if  there  })v  any  opposite  to  them  in  which  tho 
troops  are  (jUartereil.  Tiiese  two  rcuiiicciils  are  to  remain  under 
the  command  of  Colonel  S])echi  durinu  the  winter*  In  order 
to  ;iive  the  <'ommissary-,i;eneral  time  to  make  the  necessary 
arranuements  for  tlie  provisiouiufi'  of  the  troops,  the  rcj;imeiitH 
shall  carry  with  them  supplies  lor  ten  days.  They  shall,  luore- 
over,  transport  them  touftlu'r  with  their  hauiiaiic.  from  Sorel 
to  their  respective  ijUarters  hy  water.  This  is  done  in  order  to 
Siive  as  far  as  possihle  transportation  liy  laiid.  ( )n  the  22d.  tho 
draumoii  rej.nments  of  Kiedesel.  and  the  Hes.«"  Hanau  will  march 
from  St.  .Icdin  to  Chamhiy  and  occupy  the  encampment  just 
va<'ated  hy  Colonel  Spccht.  Mefore  leaviiii;'  Chaudily  they  are 
to  take  sutlicieiit  provisions  to  last  until  they  reach  Sorel.  ()u 
the  2.'Jd.  the  drai;ooii  and  liiedesel  re^'imeiits  are  to  march  to 
St.  Charles  and  thence  to  Three  Kivers  where  they  will  jro  into 
winter  ijiiartcrs.  Two  sipiadrons  of  the  rcuinient  of  (lraj:-oons 
and  three  companies  of  flu'  re;;inient  Kiedesel  will  remain 
([uarterecl  in  the  city  ;  the  other  two  conipanies  of  the  latter 
rciriment  heiu,ir<|uartered  at  Point  du  L.ic  ;  and  the  two  remain- 
ing: s(|uadrons  of  dragoons  at  La  .Madelaine.      These  latter  ti ps, 

as  soon  as  cii'cnmstances  sliall  allow,  are  to  follow  the  same  orders 
in  retiaril  to  their  pr>ivisions  an<l  the  transjiortation  of  them  as 
have  heen    f:iven   to  the    hri;.:ade  of   Colonel    Spuclit.     .Major 


I 


J 


/.v  /•///■.  AMJ-:/tiiA.\  ith:\iii.rriii.\ 


77 


(iciuTiil  K'u'ilt'scl  will  (•iiiiiiii;iiiil  tlu'sc  rcjriiiH'iits  liimscll'.  Tlicso, 
also,  art'  tn  send  (lct;ii'liiiictits  tn  the  slicirc  of  the  vivcr  (i]i|Misit(! 
tlu'ir  i'ii('aiii|iiiit'Mt.  On  till'  liUli.  till'  ili'ssi'  llaiiaii  ri'j^'iiiii'iit 
will  K'avi'  riiaiiil'ly  ami  iiiaki-  the  .saiiic  arraiiui'iiiciits  in  rcjiard 
til  the  trans|iiirtatian  nf  jiruvisiiins.  I'tc.  It  is  tn  cruss  tlu'  St. 
liawfcncf  IK  iir  Siiri'l.  and  jrii  inti>  wintiT  ijiiarti'rs  in  tlir  |iari.slii's 
(if  St.  ISci-thiiT  and  .^lllsl|uinllnc(lll't.  'i'lii'  di'taclinii'iits  wliicli 
this  ri'jrinit'nt  shall  send  ai'niss  thi'  riviT.  ari' tu  j.ni  tnSt.  I'"ranri.s 
and  Siind.  'I'hc  parishi's  id'  HiviiTi'  d»  !iOU|)  and  .Nlaihiclio 
arc  tu  III'  aii|iiii'tii)ni'd  tn  I'rini'i'  {''ri'dcrirk's  rrLiinuiit  whii'h  is 
til  inari'h  tliiTi'  I'mni  (jui'lui'  and  In'  nndi'i'  thi'  cnniinand  nl' 
|{rii:adii'i'  (Ji'iicral  \'cin  <!all.  Tlu'  Urnnswirk  liattalinn  nf 
jrrt'nadiers  is  to  ri'inain  at  St.  .John  until  tlw  ri'jiinu'iit  of  Ilcssn 
llaiiaii  has  left  Chainlilv  ;  it  shall  tlun  nianh  tu  ('hanilily.  and 
the  day  Hiliowinji'  tn  St.  Charli's.  St.  Drnis  and  St.  'rmir,  whii'h 
lattiT  ]ilai'('  has  Id'cn  di'si;:nati'd  as  thrir  ijiiartrrs  t'nr  tlu'  winter, 
'i'licy  ari'  tn  taki'  ]irnvisinns  at  SnrrI  t'nr  ifn  days.  Thr  iriri- 
n:i'nt  nt'li^^ht  int'aiitry  \'nn  Hanu'r  will  rrniain  at  St.  .Inhn  iinlil 
I'urthiT  orders;  their  winter  i|iiarters  lieini;  at  I5elli'villi' and 
("hainldy-  This  liattalinn  is  tn  draw  its  ratiniis  f'mni  the  maga- 
zine at  the  latter  plaee.  .\n  order  has  alsn  In'i'n  sent  this  day 
tn  I'rinee  l''redi'rii'k's  rejiimeiit  at  (^iieliee  tn  lie  in  re-idiiie>^  tn 
leave  llnit  city,  in  ease  they  are  relieved  liy  an  l''.nulish  reLiinienl. 
Ill  this  latter  ease  they  are  tn  liii  intn  wiiilei'  i|narters  at  itiviere 
dii  liiiii|i  and  .^Iaehi('hl';  and  Lieiitenant  i'njnnel  I'raelnrius 
shall  endeavnr  to  eniisnit  with  Lieiileiiaiit  tinvenmr  ( )r,iiiiach 
rejrardinjr  tin  t'easihilily  ot'  trans]iortinji  his  refiiineiit  on  ships 
as  Car  as  Three  Hivers.  .Ml  the  reiiimeiits  are  to  try  and  leather 
in  thnse  wdio.  for  the  time  lieiiii:.  wrie  in  the  detaehment  under 
St.  l/euer,  likewise  those  wlmare  eniiMilex'cnl .  Their  heavy 
"nafijiajfe  must  alsn  lie  enlji'i'led  frnin  those  ]daees  where  it  was 
tein|iorarily  left.  Kvery  reiiiment  is  hereliy  notified  that  some 
l'',n;^lish  reuiini'iils.  on  ttieir  inaiih  to  their  \iiri.'ii^  winter 
i|Uarteis.  will  have  to  pass  throiiL;li  their  disliiets,  .\s  many 
lioii.ses.   theretore.   as    are   iieii"   arv    tor    their    aeeoinmndalinn 


78 


.\l.[.lnl!  l,h:\h:i!AL  UIKItEsKL 


must  lie  <:ivcii  \\\i  til  tliciii.  :ui(l  nil  tlic  MssistiDici'  tlicy  rt'ijiiivi! 
I^ivfii  lliciii.  Tliis  (listriliiitinii  inln  i(iiiirti'i's  bciiij;  uiily  ti'iii]Mi- 
nirv.  I  sliiill  reserve  tn  iiiyselt'  tlie  orderiiii;-  <it"  iiiiy  t'lirtlier 
(letiiils  tlnit  m;iy  lie  iieeessiiry  I'nr  tlie  (listriliutidii  ol'  tlie  reui- 
nierits  .leeiirdiiiir  to  tlieir  iiiiiiihers.  Tliiis  everv  une  will  liiivc, 
pnijMirtionatcly.  the  siiine  iiiiiiiltcr  ol' Imiises.  .My  lieiid  (jiiiirters 
tliii'iiit;  the  winter  will  he  at  Three  Uivers  ;  and  in  urder  to  insnre 
dis|iat(di.  the  reports  i'roin  each  reiiinu'nt  are  to  he  sent  f'rnin 
one  parish  to  another  to  head  ((Uarters. 

•'  UlKllKSKI,. 
••  I'oint  an   l-'er.  Oefoher  L'd,  1TT(>." 


Alter  the  dejiarture  of  the  (iernian  troops  tor  their  (|narter.s, 
<ieneral  Hiedesel.  on  the  'Jlst.  eiidiarkeil  on  hoard  the  ship 
Washinirton  — on  whieii  Mnrui'yne  had  just  arrived  from  Crown 
point  to  Point  an  l''er.  and  wiii(di  was  now  ahoiif  retiirninn-  to 
the  former  piaee— -in  order  to  have  an  interview  with  (ieneral 
Carleton.  His  ohjeet  in  this  was  not  only  to  confer  with  tliat 
general  in  reuard  to  several  matters,  hut  to  view  the  country  in 
the  vicinity  id"  Crown  point.  The  \\  ,ishin;iton  was  the  same 
vess(d  whieii  liad  heen  taken  on  the  Kith  from  the  .\merieans. 
\\  the  present  time  it  was  loaded  witli  provisions  for  the  j;arri- 
.son  at  Crown  jioint.  The  voyajie  up  Lake  Champlain  was  very 
stonny.  The  main  mast  hroke.  and  the  shi]i  ran  auronnd  upon 
a  sand  iiank.  in  wliieh  situation  slie  was  forced  to  remain  the 
entire  nii;iil.  .\ way  from  all  human  help,  and  laslu'd  hy  tlie 
anui'y  waves,  she  wa,--  in  constant  daiiui'r  of  liecdminu'  a  total 
wreck.  Nor  wa>  it  nnti!  ninrnini;.  that  some  hoats.  eomiiiu' to 
her  assistance.  sn<'<'eided  in  izettiiiL:  her  afloat.  She  then  con- 
tinned  her  Voyage  up  the  lake  with  a  favorahlc  wind. 

I  |ion  his  arrival  .it  ( 'rown  point.  Ceiieral  liiedesel  at  once 
went  on  hoard  the  Lady  .^iary  to  cmII  on  (ieneial  Carleton. 
The  latter  received  him  Very  kindly.  He  was  nut.  however,  in 
the  hest  of  spirits,  for  the  position  wliitdi  he  was  to  occu[iv. 
henceforth,  was  not  ei|nal  to   his  ixpectations.      The  .\mericans 


/.v  Tin:  .iMniticw  /;K\-oi.rr/o\. 


79 


li;Ml,ici-(iiii|ilislic(I  iKitliiiiH  (,,w,.,f(l  rurtityiiii; Cniwii  jM.iiit  ;  iiixl  it 
wjis  liis  ujiinioii  tli.it  iftlic  Kii.;lisli  intciid.Ml  l.,  kfc|.  tliiit  pliur, 
ill  lcM>t  I'lcvfii  liundivd  nicii  w.   il<i  luivf  1..  wmk  fur  six  wirlvs 
..n   its  )nitili,;ili,,ris.      Ill  siicli  a  cast'  tlifsc  im'ii  wiiuld  ii..t.  of 
cours.".  1),.  alilc  t,.  uu  int.,  wint.T  (|uartors.      Mi.anls  w.ml.l  also 
lie  iicrdcd  i;,r  tlic  liarnicks  ..I'  tlicst,  triMips  ;   and  in  view  oC  all 
tlifSf  (■irciiiiislanccs.  he  had  .Iftciiiiiiicd  tn  ivtiini  to  tlic  Cana- 
dian side  of   Lake  Clianiplaiii.  and  |M.st|ioiic  liiitluT  o|HTatioiis 
until  s|,rinj;-.     The   |,a>sa.L;v   down  the    lake  was  now  tVcc  as  the 
American  (Ifd  was  dcslniv,.,!  ;    ami   it  hriii-   iinpossildc  for  tlir 
ivl.cls   to   prociiiv   other  ships,  the    Kn-lish    could    pass    unin.,- 
lested.       The     Ainerh'ans     had     a     stroiidv     f,,rtilied     caiiii,    at 
Tieonderoti-a.      (ieiieral  ('arlet<ni.  th.'relore.  piishe.l  his  outposts 
M.  far  in  this  direction  that  tliev  were  within  two  lea-ues  and  a 
half  from   their  camp,      lie   expect,.!   tiiat    the  enemy,  di.scoii- 
nijfcd   l,y  their  loss,  would   retreat.      Im  this,  liowev.'i",   he   was 
Ki'eatly  disappointed,   as   we   shall    .soo  i    ,«ee.      Ceiieral    liiedesel 
went  as  near  their  ei.n-j   as  pn.ssihh'.  an<l  \  iewe.l  it  from  an  en.i- 
uenee   in   the   vicinity.      Sp,.akiii,-  of  his   oh.scrvatioiis  on    this 
occasion,  lu;  .says : 

"The  army  of  the  enemy.  siderin-   its  stren-th.  is  inii(di 

too   extended.       It    is   estimated    heiv.    as    l.ein-   ten    thonsaml 

"" -:    '""    '"   '••ms,',|uem.e   of  disea.-e   and    di.^satisf iction.    it 

has  melted  down  to  seven  thoii.saml.  Were  our  whole  army 
liere.  it  would  !»■  an  easy  matter  to  drive  it  from  its  entreiieh"- 
lueiits.      Its  commander  is  .Ma.j,,r  (ien,.rMl  Cat.'s  (  (;,/sr/,). 

•■  While  we  were  at  Ciowii  point.  Hve  pri.s.niers  weir  hroii-ht 
lu  U  the  Imlians.  They  looked  mi.serahly.  Captain  I'raser 
'^'I'lured.  two  days  sine...  one  hundreil  and  fifty  oxen  diictly  in 
front  of  their  entivn.-hmenis.  without  the  ivhels  coming  oiit  „r 
even  tiriiiir  a  shot." 

<>"tlH.    L'lth.    liiedesel    ii,>p,.c,ed    the   Works    a.   Crown    point 

"'"'  I'^'viiio- Captain  (ierlech  with  him.  had  a  .kefdi  made  of 
""■'"■  '*"  fl'"  -">•''•  <i<'l"'lMl  Carh-tou  left  the  \,.u\,  .M;„y  and 
made  Crown   point  his  hea,l  ,,uarters.      The  He.sse   llanau'artil- 


80 


\(.\.K)It  OKNEIiAL  lilEOKflEl 


lory,  wliicli  ii|i  to  tliis  time  li.iil  liccii  stiitimifd  nl  tliis  jilnco. 
rocL'ivod  cinlcrri  mi  tliis  day  to  jrn  iiitn  wiiitiT  ((imrtcrs  iit  .Mmit- 
roiil. 

I'.il't  of  tile  uMi'i'lscili  were  ill  this  tiiiic  ciipi;;!'!!  at  IJiitt'iii- 
iiinlc  liay  (  wlit'i'c  Ariicilil  liail  Imriicil  tivccil'liis  sliipsi.  in  niiijiiij; 
Willie  1)1'  till'  siiiiki'ii  war  iiiatcrial.  cspccialiy  caiiiiipii.  \V!u'ii 
Iticdi'scl  passed  tliis  spot,  twenty  jiiiiis  iiad  aii'eady  Iteeii  raised, 
anil  were  disfrilmted  niiunifr  tiie  whips  I'nr  hallast.  Ahmit  this 
time  a  dreadful  repiirt  was  eiirreiii.  vi/. :  that  (Jeiieral  Arimld, 
while  liiiriiinjr  his  live  shijis  had  also  liiirneil  almiit  thirty  sick 
and  wipinided  nie'i  wlm  were  on  bnard. 

On  the  2mI.,  (leneial  iiiedesel  left  Criiwii  |icpiiit  mi  the 
Wasliiiij;t(>n.  (hi  the  passatre  lit'  aj:ain  eiiccpiiiitered  a  sturiii, 
and  the  vessel  was  oiiee  mure  in  daiiuer  "f  heiiiir  wrecked.  The 
captain  was  uhliucd  In  east  anclmr  off  the  Isle  aux  (.^iiatres 
\'eiils.  The  niisfmtiines  of  the  shi)i,  Imwever,  were  imt  yd  at 
an  end.  Tlie  day  after  rcsmninfi  lic"  vnyajit'  she  ran  afrrmind 
near  the  iJiver  la  Ccille.  Not  wishinj;-  to  hise  time,  the  f^cncral 
at  this  place  lel'i  the  vcs.sel  in  a  small  lio.it.  and  wi'iit  In  Cham- 
Idy.  'I'lieiice.  on  the  'lA  nf  Nnveiiiher.  he  went  to  .Macliiche. 
and  on  the  iid,  to  Three  llivcrs.  A  few  days  later,  (leneral 
Cailetmi.  with  his  men  anil  fleet,  returned  down  the  lake  and 
east  anchor  in  the  vicinity  of  St.  .lohii.  .\s  the  fled  was  to 
remain  here  diirinj-'  the  winter  it  was  dismantled  and  ]iut  in 
siiitalile  condition  to  withstand  the  ice  and  snow.  'i'ri>o|)s  were 
sent  to  i;arri.smi  the  Isle  aii.x  Noix  ;  Frascr,  with  a  jiart  of  his 
corps,  went  to  St.  .loliil,  the  rest  heiiifi'  sent  into  winter  i(Uarf((r» 
in  the  parishes  on  the  Uichelieii  river;  fmir  Knjilish  liattalimis 
were  sent  to  the  south  side  of  the  St.  liawrcncc  from  Sorel  to 
('haleaiij;;iy  ;  and  three  Hniilish  li.-illalioiis  occupied  the  country 
hetweeli  ('a]ie   l!iiU',;e  and   Qnelicc. 

Tile  ictiiin  of  (Jeiicral  Carldoii  with  his  troops  neccssitaled 
a  cliaiit;e  in  tiic  winter  (jiiarters.  This  chaiiuc  atfecled  the 
(lermaii  troojis  less  than  the  others.  The  position  of  the  army 
in  winter  ijiiartcrs,  was  now  as  follows; 


r\  rill-:  .\.\ih:i;i(\\  nh.vournts. 


HI 


'I'lic  l.sl,.  ;,iix  Niiix.  wliicli  ciiiisiiditi'd  till'  cxtrciiic  rmni.  was 

"••'•iipi''!  •'>  111!'  -llili    Kriiiiii.iit.      St.  .loliii  ,111(1   Cliaiiil.ly  were 

iiccii|. it'll    liv     Kiiulisli    triMijis    only  —  ,111    arriiiiHciiiciit    wliidi 

'ilili;;.'il  IJr.'yiiiaiiiiV  iin'riadi.T  liallalinii.  dial  liad  liillicitu  Imvii 

at    St.  Charlfs   ami   Si.    Denis.  Ii.   lie   lraii>fcnv(|    tn   lli..   iinrih 

side  nf  the   river  iiiln  tli(>   parishes  dC  A  r|ieiili-iii,  .\ssuiii|ili(iii 

iiiid  St,  Siiljiice.      IJariier's    liall:iliiiii  was  .seiil  to  llie  .smilli  side 

iil'llie  Si.  Lawn^iiee.  Iielipw  Siind.  iiiln  tlie  parislies  of  St.  |'"raii- 

(;nis.   .Jaiiiasca.    La    Hnyeile.  St.    .Viit.iiiie   and    llieidet.  as  far  a.s 

IJezaiieiiiirl.       In  this  dis|iiisili.in  uf  llie  lrM(.|,s.  ( ieneral  ( 'arietdM 

acted  mure   with  an  eye  to   the  eumlnrl  (d'  the  inlialiil.iiits  than 

of  the   ti'o(.|is.      lie  stated   tjiis.    in   I'aet.   to  .-01        of    lii,^  eoni- 

inamlers.      Only  two.   or   at    the    mo.st    three    men     were    to    lie 

<|Uarlered  in  one  house,      (lem-ral  |{ieiles(d.  in  order  to  niei't  the 

wishes  ot    (he   eoiiimander  in  chief'  as  far  as  |io,ssilde.  had   soim; 

oithe  ppvernmeiit  Imildiiijis  converted  into  liarracks  that  would 

accomm.Mlate  two  hundred  men  at  a  time.      The  Knulifh  troops 

were  distrihuted  in  the  foHowiiii;  manner: 

The  jirenadiers  in   lieriicres.  ( 'oiitrecoeiir  and  I'oiiil  au  Trem- 
bles, on  the  island  rd'  .Montreal. 

The  21st    Iteiiinieiit.  at    hareline.   l>oui|Ueville  and  St.  .lean. 
The  :)lsl   llet^inieiit.  at  Soicl.St.  Tour.  St.  DtMiis.  Sl.Ciiarles 
and  St.  .\iitoine. 

The  ."):!(!  I!i-inieiit.  at  Chamldy.  St.  Denis   ■ml  IJeloeil. 
The  2!tth  Ite-imeiit.  in  the  three  suhurhs  (d' .Montreal. 
The   17lh    Itejiimenf.  at    LaCiiineand    iheothe;'    jiarislies  of 
.Montreal.  I 

The  Scot(di  regiment,  composed  of  ,he  eini-i-ants  of  .McLean 
in  the  parishes  hey 1  Montreal. 

The  corjis  of  (!hi!Valiur  John.son,-  wa.s  also  stationed  on  this 
island.  It  was  composed  id"  a  reuimcnt  which  had  iii>t  hceii 
formed  of  I'lnjilishmen  and  Canadians. 


'  Till'  Hu»«f-Haiiaii  arlilk'n  was  al^o  siatioiiwl  at  iliis  phur. 
•'(<ir  Joliii  .lulinson. 

11 


82 


MAIoIi  (ihSFIIM.  Itlh:i)h'sh:i, 


Till'  mil   licuiliicllt  iiccil|iir(l  till'  i^hllid  ul' .Icsilrt. 
Tlic  tiL'il  llc'iiiiiciil.  III  I'oiiit  Lc\i  Mini  viciiiilv  — l\v<i  (i.inini- 
iiii'H  III' this  iciiiiiiciit,  liciwi'Vcr.  were  ;it   l\iiiii;ii';iskii. 
Till'  iillli   licjiiiiciit.  :it  liiMil  >(ii;irtcrs  —  (^llfl)ct'. 
The   vciliiMlccis  111'   Mr.    Mciiiiii  .iihI  ul'  (';i|itiiin    I'mscr   were 

SC.llll'I'Cll, 

Tile  h |is  n'cci\ I'll  tlicir  |irip\  i>iiiiis  riiw  ;  wliiitrvcr  fix'  llu'V 

IkkI  I'miii  llicir  lioslf.  tlu'V  wcit  ciliiiiicd  tn  jimv  I'ur  ;  I'lii'l  tlicy 
fiiillicri'd  ill  the  wiMnls.  ("(iiiiiimiuU'ns  wvw  csiicciiilly  fiijuini'il 
(c(  iiiiikc  ililijiciit  iiii|iiin-  in  rc^nrd  to  tlic  iimmifr  in  wliicli  llir 
KiiLiiisli  uiivcriinicMt  liiid  licrii  trciilcd  1)\  (Ikpsc  nt'llic  iiiliiiliit- 
iiiils  in  wlicisc  liiiiiscs  liicii'  men  witc  (|ii;irti'rcd.  TIium'  wliu 
had  taken  sides  witli  tlie  reliels  were  In  liavc  iiinr*'  soldiers 
(|iiai-tered  ii|Min  tlieiii  tliiin  the  loyal.  l''or  the  |preserVMlioii  of 
oidei'  a  noii-coiiiniis«ioned  ol1i<-er  was  ordered  to  ins]iect  his 
men  daily,  an  olVieer  every  I'oi'ty-eiuht  hours,  and  the  colonel 
of  a  reiiinieiit  evei-y  lour  weeks.  ( )n  every  |iay  day  the 
lioojis  were  to  lie  in^ijieeted,  and,  if  the  weather  was  liivoralile. 
ilrilled.  The  lios|iital  for  the  (ierinan  troojiH  was  the  old 
ri'snliiii'  convent  at  'I'lirec  Itivers.  The  inauazines  I'or  the 
army  were  at  (^iiehee.  Sorel.  .^lontrcal.  La  I'rairie.  Isle  aii.x 
Noix  ami  Three  lli\ers. 

On  the  Till  of  Novelnher.  Colonel  S|jeidit,  who  had  heen 
a|i|iointed  a  liri;radier  iieiieral  a  few  days  ]n'e\  ioiisly,  made  (Jeiie- 
ral  liiedesel  a  visit.  .\cconi|ianyinu  him  were  Colonel  i'lhreii- 
krook  and  Ca|ptain  W'illoe.  ilencerorth  the  latter  remained 
with  the  L:<iieral  ;  and.  lieini;  a  eoiniietent  anil  raithl'iil  otlicer, 
w.is  of  uri'Ml  seiviee  to  the  latter.  W'illoe  had  hitherto  he- 
|ont:ed  to  the  Sth  lie^imcnt.  lie  was  well  aei(liainteil  with 
the  eoiinlry  and  its  inhaliitants,  havin;;  been  in  Canada  several 
years.  I 

(hi   the    l.'ith.   (Icneral    Carletoii    |iassed    Three    liivers   in   a 


Mii'inTiilCarlfliiii  sfiil  Williic  t'l  Hk'ilcKi'l  iipiiii  tin-  latli'i'«  hmuksI  Dial  lie  m\fi\\[ 
have  lor  a  sociiMaiy,  an  iillkfi-  wliu  kiuiv  the  cimnliy  and  could  epiak  (Jirniaii. 


/\    Tin:  WIEItlr.W  ituvm.t  IDi.W 


88 


siniill   vcsM'l    (III    his    w.iv    IVdiii    .MiPiilnMl    ti>   lii':iil   i|ii,iili'r>  ,it 

Qllclicc.  Ill'  w,is  ;i('('o|il|uiiii'<|  |,y  his  wif...  |,;i,|v  .M.ilv.  :ili<| 
tlic'ir  ihi'iT  rhihli'di.  :iii(l  iiisn  liv  liis  liiiithcr-iii-hiw  mimI  iicpln'W, 
(',i|it.iiii  Ciilddii  mill  liis  wil'f.  n.'t'niv  Ir.iviiiii  .Miiiitrc.il.  \.iv\\ 
.M.iry  '^iivr  li.T  hiisl>,'iii(|  the  Onhior  ih.'  \V.\\\\  wliicli  liml  JM-cii 
>^c'nl  In  him  |p\  the  kiiiu.  , 

<»ii   liii'   I'dth.  (',i|it:iiii    ficrhicli   h'I't  Ci.r   tlic   i|ii;irtfi>   i,\'  the 

Mniiiswick    li |is  td  sec  til  tlic  ships  lii'|iiiii;iiii:  U<   (hosr  n'"i- 

inciils.  .'iimI  h.iik  .-iCtci-  thiii-s  L't'iicniliy .  At  this  time  tlif 
tr("i|is  r.Tciv.'il  their  wiiitiT  clntliiii-.  which  cniisisti'.j  nC  hm;; 
liiiiit.ii.Mins  iiC  stiiiK    cliilh    i-f,icliii|o  ii|,  f,,  til,.   Iii-ciist.  iiiMJ  iniidr 

'"'  'li'"   'Ik'.v  ill!   Iif   hiiti.iiii'il    iniii„l    tl„.  (;.,.t.      For  ;i   hrad 

fiiVfiiiii;-  they  Were  |iniviih'il  with  \\  wiiriii  cup. 

'rnw.inl  Ihc  iiiiiMh'  ,iC  .Ni.vcinhcr.  tlio  Kiiirlisli  ('MpiMiii  I'rin- 
^'Ic  smKmI  fur  Kiinipc  ns  the  lic.nvr  mC  dispnt.'lics.  Kicdcsd 
aviiih'il  liiiii.scll'  of  tliis  i.ppi.ii unity  ti.  send  liis  .ilsn,  tu-cthcr 
with  scNcriil  letters.      Tile  rojhiwiiii:  is  mie  I,,  jhike  FerdiiiMiid  : 


"Tuni.s  UlviK.IIKs.  Xunuihir  10.  177(5. 

'•.Mniisei-iieiir:  I  hnpeyiitire.vcelleiicyhiisliy  this  time  received 

my  hist  letter. iC  the  lltthnCOcf.il.er.  which  I  sent  tc.  Kiiuhiiid  l.v 

<'.ipliiiii  Keeker  oClhe  muy.      I  li;ive  iiew  the  Immir  (if  I  riiiismit- 

tmu  to  ymir  excellency  the  cnntiniiiiti f  my  jniirMMl.  Mini  .ilsn 

of  iinnmincinj:  theteniiimitiuiiuf  thisyenr'sciimp.iiiin.  which  liiis 

lieen  :i  siicce.ssfnl  one  for  us.  iiiid  has  cost  little  lil 1. 

••  If  wcc.Mild  IniveheuiiPnur  hist  expeilition  four  weeks  e.irlier. 
I  am  satistied  that  everythinu  woiii.l  have  hccii  ended  this  year  ; 
Itut  not  havin--  shelter  nor  other  necessary  things,  we  were 
umihle  to  remain  at  the  other  end  of  |„ike   Champlain.      lint   I 

iM'licve.    and    on    jiretty    i;- 1    onuinds.    that    the    whole    atlair 

will  he  terminateil  with  another  campaiLin.  The  rel.els  „,v 
losinu-  cniiraue.  They  know  that  they  are  l.eini;  led  astrav  l>y 
Some  amliitioiis  men.  Imt  dn  „ot  yet  see  how  to -et  out  ,if  tlw 
fix.  There  a-e  many,  l.ntli  in  Alhany  and  New  York,  who 
impatiently  wait  for  the  arrival  of  the   northern  arniv.  to  unit<' 


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Photographic 

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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

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84 


M.Uon  GENERAL  lilEDESEL 


with  it ;  but  at  present,  they  dare  not  give  expression  to  thiiir 
feoiinji's,  for  fear  of  iosin<;'  their  property  and  life. 

"  As  this.  prol)nl>iy.  is  the  last  shij)  that  will  sail  for  England 
this  year.  I  avail  myself  of  this  opportunity  to  express  to  your 
excellency  uiy  last  sentiments  of  devotion  for  this  year,  hoping 
that  your  exeelleney  may  end  it.  as  previous  ones,  in  the  best 


of  health,  welfare  and  contentment. 


■  RiEDESEL.' 


On  the  m.st,  the  evacuation  of  Quebec  was  celebrated.     Kie- 
desel  was  present  on  the  occasion,  notwithstanding  he  had  pre- 
viously sprained  a  limb,  and  was  quite  lame.     At  9  o'clock,  the 
archbishop  performed  higli  mass  in  the  Cathedral.     Several  of 
the  inhal»itants,  wlio  had  taken  sides  with  the  Americans,  were 
obliged   to  dit  penance  on   this  occasion.      At  10   o'clock,  all 
the  generals,  military  and  civil  officers,  and  gentlemen  of  the 
militia   met  for  the  purpose  of  waiting  upon  General  Carleton. 
The  latter,  in  company  with  them,  went  into  the  lower  part  of 
the  city  to  attend  divine  service  in  Knglish  ;  after  the  services, 
the  militia  fired  three  rounds,     (ieneral  Carleton  then  gave  a 
grand  diniu'-r,  to  w  >  ieh  sixty  ])er.'<ons  were  invited.     At  7  o'clock 
in  the  evening,  they  proceeded  to  a  large   Knglish  restaurant, 
where  they  ended  up  with  a  grand  ball,  in  which  ninety-six 
ladies  and  one  hundred  and  fifty  gentlemen  participated.     Gai- 
lard  was  struck  with  apoplexy  during  a  dance.     The  dead  body 
was   immediately   removed,   and   the   dancing   continued    until 
morning. 

Thus  the  campaign  of  the  year  was  mo.st  favorably  ended  for 
the  army  in  Canada,  (ieneral  Carleton  again  proving  his  splendid 
capabilities  as  a  commander,  (ieneral  Andu\rst  had  previ<i>isly 
occupied  thirteen  months  in  preparations  for  cto.ssing  Lake 
Champlain.  Carleton  accomplished  it  in  three  months,  besides 
keeping  the  army  in  better  discipline  and  bringing  the  province, 
which  had  alrciidy  shown  signs  of  re))elIion.  into  obeilience.  In 
three  months  he  built  three  new  ships  of  twelve  to  twenty  guns, 


/X  Tin:  A.UEIilCAN  HEVOLTiriON. 


85 


a  floatinfT  battery,  two  lar<,'e  gdiidolas  of  twelve  guns,  twenty-five 
long  ships  carrying  each  a  twelve-pounder  and  about  six  hundred 
smaller  vessels  for  the  troops.  The  timber  for  all  of  these  had  to 
be  hewn  in  the  forest  and  brought  frow  a  long  distance  in  the 
face  of  many  difficulties.  Indeed,  his  preparations  were  scarcely 
completed  when  he  attacked  and  destroyed  the  hostile  fleet  on 
Lake  Champhiin. 

Before  closing  this  chapter,  we  will  briefly  review  the  active 
operations  of  the  other  two  armies. 

The  Hesse  Cassel  troops  were  a  part  of  General  Howe's 
army,  and  numbered  twelve  thou.sand  men.  That  general  had, 
upon  leaving  Halifax,  gone  to  Staten  island  ;  and.  after  vainly 
attempting  to  open  negotiations  with  the  commander  in  chief, 
Washington,  he  landed  on  Long  island  on  the  22d  of  August, 
and  beat  an  American  corps  under  General  Hullivan  near 
Brokland  [Brooklyn  ?]  He  then  occupied  New  York.  Tt  was 
not  until  the  l-4th  of  October  that  the  army  in  Canada  luMird  of 
this  occurrence,  and  then  only  through  the  chance  circumstance 
of  finding  on  the  ship,  taken  from  the  Americans,  a  letter  from 
Washington  to  Arnold,  in  which  the  former  writes  that  he  had 
lost  a  battle  on  Long  island,  and  that  New  York  was  conse(iuently 
in  the  pos.session  of  the  English.  This  is  a  proof  of  the  defective 
communication  kept  up  between  the  British  armies,  i 

After  the  occupation  of  New  York  by  the  IJritish,  the  posi- 
tion of  Washington  at  White  Phiins  could  no  longer  be  main- 
tained. He  accordingly  retreated  into  the  northern  highlands, 
and  afterward  crossed  the  Delaware.  On  tlie  22d  of  December, 
the  British  captured  Newport.  There  was  now  nothing  to  pre- 
vent- General  Howe  advancing  on  I'hiladclphia.  whence  the 
congress  had  already  departed  for  lialtimore.     He,   however. 


'  It  wm  not  until  the  3(ith of  (Ictolier  tliat  rellnhlo  nows  rofrnrding TIohij'h  victory 
roaclie.l  General  Carleton.  Tin;  Americans  \»M  1.IK»  in  dead  and  wouiuled  ;  the 
English,  -  olllcers  and  (i3  men  ;  and  the  Hesxians,  3  dead  and  :5S  wounded.  Only 
one  hattalion  of  the  latter  was  engaged.-  Note  in  the  oiiginal.  Bancroft  xtntcs  the 
loss  of  the  Hessians  at  Skilled  and  26  wounded. 


86 


MAJOn  GBXEIiAL  ItlEDEflEL 


failed  to  do  it.  Tii  the  meiiiitiiiic.  Wiishiiifrton  gathered  fresh 
reenfureeiiicnts  and  collected  hiw  scattered  army.  He  again 
advanced;  broke  through  the  Hriti.-^h  lines  on  the  25th  of 
Peceniber,  and  captiirc^l  one  thousand  Hessians.  Trenton  and 
liordentown  were  at  this  time  occuj)ied  liy  the  latter  troops 
und  r  the  command  of  Colonel  Von  Rail  and  Colonel  Donop. 
The  latter  officer  was  deceived  by  a  false  attack  and  pursued, 
with  his  entire  corps  of  two  thousand  men,  those  who  purposely 
fled.  Simultaneously  with  this  feigned  retreat.  Washington 
attacked  (!olonel  Kail  at  Trenton,  who  was  of  course  deprived 
of  any  a.ssistance  from  J)onop.  After  their  late  successes,  and 
in  view  of  the  weakness  of  the  enemy,  the  British  were  not 
expecting  an  attack  at  this  point,  and  allowed  themselves  to 
repo.se  in  fancied  security.  For  this  false  confidence,  the  Hes- 
sians paid  dearly  ;  and  the  old  adage  —  not  to  undervalue  one's 
enemy  —  was  in  this  case  proved  true.  Colonel  liall  ((uickly 
gathered  his  men  ;  but  everything  being  done  in  a  grtsat  hurry, 
and  Hall  himself  wounded  in  the  beginning  of  the  action,  the 
Hessians  endeavored  to  retreat  to  Princeton.  In  this  attenipt, 
however,  they  were  unsuccessful,  being  all  cut  oft'  and  captured. 
An  Knglisli  historian  of  the  American  war  says : 

"The  Americans  had  hitherto  regarded  the  Hessians  with 
fear  and  terror.  They  knew  them  to  be  vettsrans  and  accus- 
tomed to  military  discipline.  As  a  natural  consequence,  there- 
fore, this  victory  over  the  foreign  troops  reanimated  them  in  an 
astonishing  manner,  and  rekindled  their  courage  which  of  late 
had  burned  low." 

As  the  Americans  would  not  believe  that  the  Hessians  had 
been  beaten,  Washington  had  those  troops  marched  through  the 
difl^erent  streets  of  I'hiladelphia  whither,  after  their  capture, 
they  had  been  first  brought. 

Washington,  fully  believing  that  the  British  would  advance 
on  his  little  army,  n^crossed  the  Delaware;  but  (Jeneral  Howe 
remained  irresolute  and  inactive ;  and  in  this  manner  the  few 
renuiining  days  of  the  year  passed  away. 


: 


IN  THE  AMEJilVAX  REVOLVTIOX. 


87 


Generals  Clinton  and  Corrnvallif*  met  with  no  sucecss  in  the 
southern  provinces.  They  marched,  in  June,  ajiainst  Charleston, 
where  they  expected  the  support  of  u  fleet  from  the  sea.  ]{ut 
they  were  l)eaten  everywhere  ]iy  tlie  Americans,  under  (leneral 
Lee.  and  I'orced  to  retreat  to  New  York.  Had  (ieiieral  Howe 
acted  with  more  energy  and  care  at  the  close  of  the  year,  it 
may  be  safely  conjectured  that  the  rebellion  in  the  colonies 
would  have  been  suppres.sed ;  but  it  was  otherwise  written  in 
the  book  of  fate. 


Dai 


t 


THE  CAMPAIGN  OF  1777. 


Geneiiil  Riedesel,  who  had  gone  to  head  quarters  at  Quebec, 
to  be  present  at  the  celebration  of  the  evacuation  of  that  city, 
remained  there  longer  tlian  he  had  at  first  intended.  General 
Oarleton  honored  him  with  his  friendship ;  and  by  every  dis- 
tinguished personage  he  was  treated  with  great  courtesy;  so 
much  so.  indeed,  that  in  a  letter  to  his  wife,  he  says,  ■■  Honors 
and  courtesies  arc  heaped  upon  me." 

The  birthday  of  the  queen  of  England  was  celebrated  on  the 
20th,  in  every  city  and  village  where  troops  were  stationed. 
Kiedesel,  especially,  did  all  in  his  power  to  render  the  affair  as 
august  as  possible.  Many  officers  from  different  places  came  to 
Three  Rivers  ;  and  the  city  was  so  full  of  life  and  animation  that 
the  citizens  declared  they  had  never  witnessed  such  a  splendid 
occasion.  The  general  gave  a  dinner  at  noon,  which  was  at- 
tended by  forty  guests  ;  and  in  the  evening,  a  ball  and  a  supper. 
Henceforth,  there  were  balls  and  dinners  every  week.  In  the 
letter  to  his  wife,  just  quoted,  he  writes  concerning  it  as  follows: 
"I  do  this  partly  to  gain  the  affection  of  the  inhabitants,  and 
partly  to  give  the  officers  an  opportunity  of  indulging  in  inno- 
cent amusements,  and  thus  prevent  them  from  visiting  the 
taverns  and  getting  into  bad  company."  Indeed,  in  regard  to 
the  latter  he  was  very  strict;  and  wtmld  not  allow  bis  officers 
to  lead  a  dissipated  life,  and  contract  debts.  He,  however,  did 
not  desire  the  affections  of  the  inhabitants  ,so  much  for  himself 
personally,  as  he  did  for  the  welfare  of  his  troops.  The  conduct 
of  connnanders  always  either  benefits  or  damages,  to  a  greater 
or  less  extent,  the  troops  under  them. 


MA  J  on  GEXKIiAL  lilEDESEL. 


89 


1  lu.  WMitors  in  (';.n;ul:,  „re  us„,.,|l.y  very  .severe.  Tlie  present 
one.  l.owever,  was  an  exeeptinn.  f-.r  up  t.,  tl.is  time  it  had  I.een 
so  in.1.1  that  the  inliahitant.s  .li,l  n.,t  ren.en.lM.r  ..C  ever  havin- 
seen  its  lilco  iH.f.re.  It  was.  tlierefnre,  joc.sely  ealled  -the 
winter  of  the  (iern.ans."  The  St.  Lawrenee.  whieh  oe„,,ally 
freezes  ever,  ren.ainea  open;  but  Lake  St.  I'ierre  was  frozen 
over  by  Deeeniber.  .ko  tiiat  it  eoukl  be  ero.s.sed  on  slei-lis. 

«ut  new  diffieulties  between  the    Kn.ulisi,  and  some  of   the 
.    Indnm   tr.bes  sprun-  up,  the  latter   insisfino.   i,p„„  ij,.;,,.,  ]^>j 
in  the  approaeliing  eanipai-n  by  their  leaders  only.     This  the 
j;-overnor  could  not  allow,  sinee  they  desired  this  .solely  for  the 
sake  of  plunder  and  other  outrages.     These  Indians  eared  liitle 
for  the  cause  of  the   Kuyli,],  king-;  and  yearned  for  war.  r.nly 
that   they    nnght    take   revenge  on   the  neighboring   colonists 
whom   they  hated  for  taking  an.l   occupying  their   lan.ls.     In 
fact,  much  trouble  was  continually  experienced  with  these  wild 
savagxis;  for  although  they  were  pretty  good  as  out  guards  an.l 
patrols,  they  amounted  to  precious  little  in  battle,      ff  the  first 
onset  w-  not  successful   they  in.n.ediately  ran  away;  but  if 
victorious,  they  committed  the  most   cruel   outn.oes   on    those 
who  had  the  misfortune  to  fall  into  their  hands.     The  one  who 
caused  this  change  in  the  conduct  of   the  Indians,  was  an  Iro- 
quois, named  Joseph,  who  had  been  in   England  for  some  time 
and,  therefore,   po,sse.ssed    considerable  influence    over    several 
tribes.     He  succeeded  in  putting  up  di.stant  tribes  to  all  kinds 
of  deviltries;  and  thus,  tlie  Knglish  generals  had  all  they  could 
do,  f,„.  the  sake  of   humanity,  to  instill  better  prineii.les   into 
these  barbarians. 

Crcneral  Kiedesel  was  a  great  stickler  for  thorough  dis<.iplinc 
He.  therefore,  .sought  to  employ  his  troops  as  much  as  i,ossible 
during  the  winter  in  various  kinds  of  drill,  and  especially  in 
that  of  rapidity  of  firing,  in  which  many  of  them  were  still 
deficient.  The  Americans  used  their  rifles  better  and  at  a 
greater  distance  than  the  (ierman  troops —  a  fact  that  he  had 
already  learned  from  the  Hessians.  On  the  8th  of  .March 
12 


'SI 


90 


MA.IOn  OEXEPAh  lUEDEHKt 


General  (^irletoii  an-ivcil  at  Three  Rivers,  after  liaviiif;  in- 
spected tliose  of  tlie  (lernian  troKps  that  were  ((iiartered  else- 
where. Al'ter  witnessing;-  their  drill,  he  left  liir  ^Icmtreal 
aeeunipanied  liy  (ieneral  lliedesel.  On  the  Ktth,  lliedesel 
wrote  from  that  place  to  the  coninianders  of  the  different  rejj;!- 
nients  that  his  exeelleney.  (ieneral  Carli^ton.  had  eoniniissioned 
him  to  assnre  them  of  the  satisfaction  which  lie  had  received 
upon  witnessing::  the  order,  propriety  and  jiood  hearinj;  which 
ohtained  amonj;,-  their  men,  but,  especially,  the  splendid  disci- 
pline which  was  ohserved  at  their  (juarters.  He  further  says, 
'■It  affords  me  much  i)leasure  to  hear  this  praise;  and  I 
Wiirndy  thank  the  commanders  of  the  rej;iments,  and  their 
respective  officers  for  maintaining  such  good  order." 

On  the  ir)th.  (ieneral  l{iedesel  with  Oeneral  Carleton  and 
suit,  returiu'd  to  .Montreal.  The  Kngli.shmen  dined  with  him, 
and  left  the  following  morning. 

Toward  the  latter  part  ol'  3Iarch  two  ships,  which  had  lain 
disniantli!d  through  the  winter  near  8t.  John,  wen;  again  put 
in  condition  for  service.  They  at  once  sailed  into  the  lake,  and 
anchored  between  Isle  aux  Noix  and  Point  an  Fer.  It  now 
suddenly  became  .so  cold  that  the  lake  was  frozen  in  several 
places,  and  a  goiulola.  which  had  been  sent  out  tn  reconnoitre, 
ccudd  not  return.  This  last  cold  snap  was  as  unexpected  to  the 
Canadians  as  the  mild  winter;  but  the  sun  was  now  too  high 
for  the  cold  weather  to  continue  for  any  length  of  time. 
Northern  lights  were  fre({uently  seen  during  this  cold  spell. 

As  soon  as  the  season  permitted,  one  hundred  new  vessels 
were  built,  and  some  of  the  old  ones  repaired  for  the  use,  more 
particularly  of  the  second  division.  Several  new  forts  were 
also  built  at  St.  .John,  and  a  few  alterations  made  to  the  floating 
battery.  This  battery  had  eighteen  twenty-four-ponnders  on 
deck,  which  were  capable  of  being  elevated  to  use  against  forti- 
fications up(ui  land.  The  ship  \\'ashingt(>n.  which,  it  will  be 
remend)ercd.  had  been  ca[)tured  from  the  Americans,  underwent 
some  repairs  and  alterations.     In  addition  to  all  of  which,  two 


/.\  /'///•;  AM  Eli  I  VAX  nEvourinx. 


91 


new  tlircf-niastcrs  <.t'  twinitv  j.muis  oiicli  wcro  (Miistructod.  Ca])- 
taiii  Schenk.  who.  the  provious y.'ar.  l)iiilt  (lie  I.cantilul  Tiifloxi))lo 
in  sucli  a  iviiiMrkal.Iv  sli-.rf  a  time.  siipfi-inti'iKlcd  the  work,  and 
was.  ill  fact.  dirocMrot'tlii;  wh.ilo  of  the  shi])1.uildiii-.  CwwrA 
Rit^dcsel  was  a.skcd  the  loan  t.f  a  nniii.swifk  fla-  to  .>*erve  a.s  a 
pattern  (up  a  new  one.  «y  this,  a  eonipliineiit  was  intondeJ, 
both  to  the  dnke  of  nnmswiek  and  iiis  troops. 

The  policy  of  (Usneral  Carlcton  wns  to  retain  Canada  by  the 
sword  for  his  king,  at  the  same  time  that  he  coneiliated  the 
inhabitants  by  mild  measures.     Tt  was,  therefore,  his  constant 
endeavor  to  lijrhten  the  burdens  of  war  as  much  as  po.ssible.  for 
which  reason,  he  especially  enjoined  it  upon  his  troops  to  abstain 
from  allungentloniiinly  conduct.    Justice  had  particularly  suffered 
since  the  outbreak  of  the  war ;  and  Carleton,  as  governor,  endea- 
vored to  restore  it.     Ho,  accordingly,  divided  the  country  into 
districts,  in  eadi  of  which  the  courts  were  obliged  to  hold  ses- 
sions twice  a  week  — an  arrangement  by  which   he  hoped  to 
facilitate    the    inhabitants    in    the   trial  of  their   causes.     At 
Quebec  a  court  of  final  appeal  was  instituted.     Nor  were  these 
prai.seworthy  efforts   confined   to   the   courts  alone.      He,   also, 
issued  practical  orders  for  the  regulation  of  trade  and  the  organi - 
zatirm  of  the  militia. 

As  tieneral   Carleton  was   unable  to  obtain   any  authentic 
information  in  regard  to  the  movements  of  (Jeneral  Jlowe,  he 
sent,  as  early  as  the  middle  of  February,  two  detachment!  of 
Indians  toward  the  south,  for  the  purpose  of  receiving  some 
information   respecting  that   general.     As    these    detachments 
were  obliged  to  steal  their  way  through  sta  es  occupied  by  the 
enemy,  they  were  forced  to  take  the  most  unfrequented  roads. 
One  of  these  detachments,  therefore,  under  Mr.  Lanieres,  took 
a  course  through  the  woody  lowlands  of  the  Kennebeck.     The 
first  detachment  soon  returned,  bringing  with  them  four  pri- 
soners from  New  England,  but  without  any  definite  information 
of  (ieneral  Ifowe  and  his  army.     The  second  detachment,  con- 
sisting of  twenty-five  Indians,  under  the  skillful  English  captain, 


02 


MA.Ion  (iKSKltAL  lilKDKsKL 


McKiiy.  niiul<>  flicir  wny  flirdiiuli  the  liir^c  frnvHts  on  tlic  western 
sliiire  i\\'  liiike  ( 'liiiiii])l;iiii,  aiul  sur|>rise(l  ;iii(l  eajitured  Itetweeii 
Fort  ('iirilliiii  and  l''i»rt  William  Henry,  a  liarty  of  tlut  ('neniy, 
niini))erinfj;  one  ottieer  and  twenty-three  \w\\.  Taking  with  tlieni 
tliese  pris(i?ier».  the  detaehineiit  returned  to  .Mimtrc^al  in  tlie 
ljei;inninf;-  of  Ajiril.  l'"roin  one  of  these  prisoners  (leneral 
Carleton  first  learned  the  fate  of  the  Jlessians  at  Trenton. 

At  this  time,  Oenerai  lliedescl  wrote  to  Duke  Ferdinand  tlio 
followin'r  letter : 


"TllHKK  IllVEKS,  April  \\),  1777. 

"  AFonsei^neur :  T  am  very  much  flattered  by  tlic  fact  that 
yoiir  excellency  still  remembers  his  old  servant,  who  will  never 
forget  that,  for  his  jiresent  position,  as  well  as  for  tlu^  little 
knowledf^e  he  j)o,ssesses,  he  in  indebted  to  your.self.  His  grate- 
fulness will,  tlierefore,  never  cease.  T  have  taken  the  liberty  of 
writing  your  excellency  very  often  during  the  i)ast  year,  and 
have  sent  you  from  time  to  time,  a  continuation  of  the  jiiiini<il 
so  far  as  regards  all  tlnit  lias  occurred  in  our  army  the  past  year, 
lint  having  received  no  answer,  I  am  unable  to  tell  whether  all 
my  re])orts  have  reached  you  or  not.  It  is  unfortunate  that 
letters  from  Furope  are  so  long  in  coming.' 

Our  army  have  remained  very  ((uietly  in  their  winter  (|uar- 
ters;  in  fact,  there  has  not  been  a  solitary  rifle  discharged 
against  the  enemy  the  last  tlCsn  months.  The  lakes,  large  rivers, 
indeed,  everything  lias  been  covered  with  iec.  In  addition  to 
which,  the  monstrous  deserts  and  forests  have  aided  in  putting 
an  end,  for  the  time  being,  to  this  insignificant  war.  Care  for 
the  health  of  the  men,  and  drilling,  have  thus  far  been  our  only 
occupation.  The  entire  army,  which,  by  the  bye,  is  in  excellent 
condition,  is  always  ready  to  inarch  at  a  moment's  notice,  .and 


'  Wc  can  pcnreely  I'cnlizi',  in  these  (lays,  the  shiw  process  of  Iransmllliiig  letters 
at  that  time.  Allliouiili  tlie  oftieial  eDirespoiKleiKO  was  sent  on  tlie  royal  ships, 
they  were  sometimes  ei^'lil  and  ten  months  on  the  way.  Duke  l''er(linan(l  answered 
ull  llio  letters  he  received  from  Uledesel  immediately.—  Xote  in  the  oiirjiiiut. 


J 


/.v  /■///•;  .\.)/j':u/r.[.y  ni-.vouriDS. 


\)\\ 


III! 


will  mnvo  n.M  soon  u.s  th,.  niclfin-  of  tlic  ice  will  pcniiit  a  passii^^o 
down  !,akf  Cliaiiiiilaiu.  M'o  art',  at  |.ivsfnt.  oj.po.sito  Maliahu- 
gcf/  hay,  in  flu.  vicinity  oC  which  an-  thoso  rebels  f hat  Ccncral 
Ilowc  hit't  in  his  rear  when  he  marched  south  into  I'ennsvlva- 
nia.  It  is  my  belief  that  this  campai-n  will  finish  the  "war, 
provided  we  are  sueeessfnl  in  drivin-  the  enemy  away  '(x-i 
there. I  We  have  hardly  any  n('ws  of  the  movements  of  (lene 
ral  Howe's  army;  and  the  little  which  we  do  hear  is  so  e,m- 
tradietory,  that  I  will  not  mciicion  it.  for  fear  of  j-iviiiK  false 
reports.  F  hope  that  as  so(mi  as  the  fleet  is  ready,  our  operations 
will  projrress  faster  than  they  did  last  year,  and  that  I  shall  be 
able  t(.  report  events  t(.  yiir  excellency  of  more  interest  thau 
those  of  the  laat  campaign. 

"1  remain,  ete., 

"  RlEDKMKf,." 


'TllRKE  lllVKUS,  Mill  H,  1777. 
"!'.  S.  — No.ship  havin-r  sailed   when  I  wrote  the  above.  [ 
have  m>w  the  honor  of  communicatin-;-  to  your  excellency,  that 
(ieneral  IJurf^oyne  returned  from   liondon,  on  the  Apollo,  day 
before  yesterday.      Ifo  brings  mo  five  letters  from  your  excel- 
lency ;  the  first,  dated  at  (Jardershcim,  October  11th ;  the  second, 
October   aist,  from  the  same  place;  and  the  last  three  from' 
Brunswick,  under  dates  respectively,  of  November  22d,  l':',d.  and 
28th.     These  five  letters  have  given  me  exce('ding  great  joy. 
1  return  my  humblest  thanks  to  your  excellency  for  the  kind 
expressions  of  regard  which  you  manifest  in  all  your  letters. 
Your  excellency  is  perfectly  right  in  saying  that  it  would  have 
been  of  great  advantage,  could  we  have  wintered  at  the  southern 
extremity  of  the   lake.       The  facts,   however,   which    I    have 
written  down  in  my  journal  to  you  of  last  year,  will  show  the  im- 
passibility, and  the  rea.sons  for  not  doing  it.     The  only  benefit 

'  Oeueral  KiccU.^cl  seem,  to  have  had  very  little  idea  .iflhe  extent  of  the  cotuitrv 
torafurthereonilrumtionof  thU,  .ee  The  Letters  and  Journals  of  Mrs.  General 
laedesel,  p.  8,  note. 


(    : 


/ 


*  > 


i 


1)4 

wliic 
tlijit 
t(.  til 
(iiir 

llilVC 

will. 

CIIHl) 

your 


MA.tUll  (ihXKUA/,  iin:i>i:sKi. 

li  liMS  rcHiilti'il  IVdiii  Hie  cxiMMlitiuii  ii|)  \\w  lako  Inst  full  iw, 
the  tici't  III'  the  ri'licis  lia.H  bcc.i  dcstnivi'il  —  m  Ihsm  which, 
Kiiii.  is  in'c|Kiriililf,  tiinl  which.  iiIsk.  will  i;rciitly  tiicilitatti 
|iii.>*sii^('  ii|)  the  liikc  this  year.  The  iiistnictioiiH  wliidi 
hccii  bniiiulit  tit  (iciicr.il  <'arlct(iii.  by  (Iciicral  IJmpiyiic. 
I  hdii^vc.  iiiau<j;'iirat(^  the  caiii|iiii^'ii  iiniiicdiatcly,  in  which 
I  ."ihall  siiiiii  bo  ablu  tu  tniiiHiiiit  iiiuro  interest iii<^  newH  tu 
t'xcellciR'y.  I  am.  etc., 

'•  KlKDKSKl,." 


Oil  tho  2(Hh  lit'  .\]iril,  (leiieral  Hieilesel  wt^nt  to  Quebec  on 
the  ship  Cores,  for  the  purjinse  nt'  cmisultiuj;'  with  (ieneriil 
Carletoii.  He  ri'turueil  mi  the  IKIth.  ami  at  iinc(!  ilispatehed 
C'ai)tiiiu  (lerliich  to  \\w  ilitl'erent  ri'jiiments,  with  iirilers  to 
inspect  tlie  vessels,  and  jmt  them  in  thoroujjli  repair.  The 
sauiu  day  a  sinj;ular  accident  occurred.  A  drummer  ol'  the 
rejiimiMit  Uiedesel.  while  takinj^'  a  stroll  lhrouj;h  the  woods,  came 
across  a  root  exactly  resenddinj;  a  cirrot.  He  ate  of  it,  and  ii 
few  hours  after  was  taken  violently  ill,  and  died  in  convulsions. 
As  there  was  every  indication  of  poison,  a  jtont  nmrti  ni  examina- 
tion was  held,  by  which  it  appeared  that  the  root  eaten  by  the 
Soldier  was  none  other  than  tlu(  rnrmlti'  il^iiinrini/  luie  of  the 
most  poisonous  vej;etables  in  that  rejiion.  Hiedesel  immedi- 
ately issued  a  precautiomiry  order  rej;ardinji-  it.  mentioninjr  also, 
th((  antidote,  in  ca.seof  any  other  soldier  makint!;  a  similar  mistake. 

.Meanwhile!  those  Indian  tribes,  who  had  been  prejudiced 
ajjainst  the  Knjrlish  by  the  Iroijuois  Joseph,  thouifht  better  of 
their  conduct,  and  sent  deputies  to  (ieneral  Carleton  expressing 
their  willingness  to  serve  under  him.  The  meeting  took  place 
on  the  UOth  of  .\pril  at  Quebec,  on  which  occasion,  (ieneral 
Carleton  distributed  presents  among  them.     This  cliange  was 


ni 


iiinly  due  to  the  exertions  oi'  Captain  'J' 


WIS 


if  the  Tndiai 


department.  This  Cajitain  Twiss  had  been,  the  ycsar  previous, 
with  the  army  of  Oeiu'ral  Howe,  but  upon  the  lattiu'  going  into 
winter  quarters,  he  returned  to  his  regular  duties,  which  were 


\n/yjntJ>*< 


m 


ix  Tiih:  .\Mh:iti(\\  i!i:voi.rriii\. 


!>". 


t(p  Idiik  iil'tci'  tlioi-c  triht'H  III  till'  iiji|icr  ccniiitn'.  wlm  iniulit  lio 
on  tlit>  side  III' tliu  kiiif;,  iiuiiig  iiii  ciicrp'tic  mid  ('liii|iii'iit  iimii, 
lie  (it  last  siiccfc(l('(l  in  cfVci'tinjj  tin-  riivnPiililc  rliiiiigu  just  incii- 
tiiiju'd.  At  this  tiiiii'  lie  iiiid  liriiiii:lit  witli  liiiii  twii  d('|iiiti<'S 
IVmii  ('a(di  trilic.  .Mi'iiiiwliiic,  duriii;^  liic  liuldiiii;  of  tiiis  iiicft- 
in^-.  cijilit  liuiidred  Indiiins  ;:alln  red  in  tlic  viciiiilv  nf  Niapira, 
and  tluM'c  awaited  tiic  ri'tiini  id'  their  dcii'uatcs  and  insdueliniis 
I'rinii  liie  fiovenior. 

It  sii  iiainieiied  that  (Jenerai  lliedesel  was  at  t^hiehec.  when 
Captuiii  Twiss  rt'tiinied  t'rnni  the  n|i|ier  enmitiT.  and  was  jireseiit 
wlii'ii  the  latter  rejinrted  to  (Jeiierai  <'arletiin  tin!  results  of  his 
last  mission,  and  the  eondition  nt'  (ieneral  Howe's  army.  'I'his 
was  tlu^  first  tiiiii^  that  reliahh'  news  hail  heeii  received  frmn  the 
latter.  .\s  this  aiit'ieei  ■  report  oC  a  man.  who  had  heeii  ii|i  to 
this  time  with  (Ieneral  llowe.  will  throw  a  <'learer  li^il.l  njion  ((iies- 
tiiins  wliiel.  '  we  hitherto  heeii  either  disjinted  or  unknown,  wo 
will  here  literally  ijuoto  what  we  find  of  it  in  Uiedesel's  journal. 

'•  ('a]itain  Twiss  eoiitirins  the  ri'imrt  ol'  <  Ieneral  Howe's  engajie- 
nient  on  Staten  island  ;  also  that  on  Ijoiij;  island,  in  whitdi  (leiie- 
rals  I'litnam  and  Sullivan  were  killed  ;  '  and  likewise  tlii'  capture 
of,  and  a  great  conflagration  at  New  York.  It  seems  that  <  Ieneral 
Clinton  led  tlie  main  attack  on  this  nccasion.  He  uIhii  eonfirins 
the  capture  of  the  fortified  camii  of  the  rehels  at  King's  l)ridge, 
with  this  diU'erence  —  that  here  no  engagement  had  taki'ii  jilace 
the  enemy  giving  up  this  position  without  firing  a  .shot,  and 
leaving  behind  all  their  heavy  artillery  and  haggagc.  Finally, 
he  confirms  the  capture  of  the  eiitreiKdiiimnts  Washington,  at  a 
place  called  White  IMains.  where  thirty-five  hundred  rehels  were 
taken  prisoners.  In  the  beginning  of  this  engagement,  the  rebels 
fought  well.  The  hlnglish  were  led  by  (Ieneral  Clinton  and  the 
He.ssian  (ieneral  Knipphaii.'^en.  Captain  'I'wiss  furtlnsr  reports 
that  (Ieneral  Howe,  about  the  beginning  of  November,  had  taken 


'  Captain  Twlss's  report  does  not  occm  to  Imvi  l)ei'ii  more  ri:liiil)li:  tlmii  pn.'vioiiH 
oncK. 


96 


MA.TOIt  GEXEUAL  RIEDESEL 


iViiiii  eleven  to  twelve  thousand  prisoners.  Toward  the  middle  of 
November,  Uenoral  1  [owe  went  into  winter  quarters,  but  the  action 
differs  materially  from  that  which  was  named  in  the  previous 
account,  (ieneral  Howe  had  his  head  (juartcrs  at  New  York, 
wliih;  a  larjie  portion  of  his  army  was  distributed  throufih 
Staten  island.  Long  island,  the  counties  of  New  York  and 
Westchester,  and  in  that  part  of  the  province  of  Jersey  which 
is  situated  between  the  Hudson  and  Itaritan  rivers.  (Ieneral 
("lintou  was  statioiunl  at  New  ]?runswick  in  Jersey  with  a  de- 
tached corps.  This  place  is  on  the  IJaritan  river.  A  corps  of 
Hessians,  nine  hundred  stronp;.  wa.s  jilaced  as  an  outpost  at 
Trenton  on  the  Delaware.  This  corjis  was  commanded  by  a 
general  whose  name  Captain  Twiss  docs  not  remember. '  This  was 
the  arrangement  fir  winter  ((uarters  at  the  time  when  Captain 
Twiss  lelt  the  army  of  (ieneral  Howe  for  Niagara  to  be  juesent 
at  a  uuH'ting  of  the  Indians.  Captain  Twiss.  also,  confirms  the 
ruiiiiir  of  tlie  capture  of  the  rebel  (Ieneral  iiCe  near  Trenton." 

So  much  lor  the  report  of  Captain  Twiss.  Let  us  now  j)r(icced 
with  the  events  that  were  occurring  in  Canada.  (Ieneral 
Carletoii  at  this  time  brought  to  lliedesel  a  package  of  (U'ders 
and  docnments  that  had  been  seut  to  him  from  Brunswick. 

(Ieneral  IJurgnyne  had  also  brought  from  his  government 
the  most  ini}>ortant  (U'ders  respecting  his  army  and  the  coming 
campaign;  for  the  chivalric  Carleton,  who  liad  hitherto  proved 
himself  so  competent,  was  nut  to  be  permitted  to  follow  up  the 
advantages  which  be  had  won  :  this  was  to  be  left  to  (ieneral 
Burgoyne  I  As  soon  as  this  news  was  received,  suspicions  were 
at  once  entertained  that  the  visit  of  the  latter  to  England  had 
not  been  solely  to  arrange  his  family  affairs;  especially  since 
such  grave  changes  had  l)ecn  made  iii  his  i'avor.  It  was  known 
that  |}ui'g(iyne  had  frieiuls  in  Loiulon  who  filled  high  positions, 
and  over  whom  he  had  great  influence,  owing  to  his  peculiar 


I 

1)t. 


•The  general    lien;  spoken   i>l'  was  Colonel  Von  Hall,  of  whom   mention  lias 
lieeu  made  previously. 


IN  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUriON. 


97 


talent  for  insiimiitinf-'  hiiimclf  into  thoir  pi.^cl  jrraccs.  It  was 
also  pretty  gciiorally  kni.wii  that  tlio  minister  in  eharj-c  of  the 
American  portfolio  was  no  friend  of  (Jeneral  Carleton,  ]Je 
this,  however,  as  it  may,  henceforth,  (ieneral  Hur-nyne  was  to 
be  the  commander  in  chief  of  the  army  in  ("anada.     '-    lu.  ^J.w 

The  English  Government  did  mt  dare  to  set  aside  General 
Carleton  at  once;  but  the  whole  affair  was  so  arran-ed  that  it 
amounted  to  the  same  thin-.  If„w  it  was  managed  will  be 
seen  from  the  following  extract  winch  is  literally  copied  from 
liiede.sel's  journal : 

"Notwithstanding  the  king  and  the  ministry  are  extremely 
well  satisfied  with   the  general.ship  in  the   la.st'  campaign,  and 
have    returned    him    their    warmest  thanks,    his    majesty    has 
thought  it  advisable  to  announce  that   when  the  army  "leaves 
the    province,   which   it  has    hitlicrto   occupied,  the  governor 
general  of  that  province  shall   no  longer  command  that  army, 
but  shall  remain  in  his  province,  and  the  second  general  shall 
assume  command  of  the  departing  troops.     As  the  necessity  of 
the  case  of  course  demanded  that  the  greater  part  of  tlio  army 
should  move  acro.ss  Lake  Champlain  into  New  England,  this  was 
a  virtual  command  to  General  (^arleton  to  remain  in  (\-inada,  keep- 
ing as  many  troops  as  he  considered  neces.s.ry  for  the  defense  of 
this  province.     (Jeneral  Burgoyne  was  to  take  connnand  of  the 
rest  of  the  army  ;  lead  them  across   Lake  Champlain   into  New 
England;    drive   the  rebels   from   Tieonderoga   and    Lake    St. 
Sacrement.  and   open   a   communication   with   (ieneral    Howe 
from  wliom  he  was  to  receive  his  further  instructions." 

A  great  mistake  was  undoubtedly  hure  made  by  the  British 
ministry,  as  further  events  have  shown.  The  fir.^t  ,,nestion  fo 
have  been  determined  was.  whether  the  po.sse.Ksion  of  the  interior 
of  the  country,  or  the  successful  prosecution  of  the  war  was 
of  the  most  conse.|uence.  Any  one  almost,  in  the  absence  of 
General  Carleton.  c.uld  h.ve  attended  to  the  administration  of 
Canada,  whose  inhabitants  were  mo.stly  loyal,  and  whose  internal 
affairs  had  just  been  rearr.-.nged.  Carleton  had.  hitherto 
13 


98 


MA.JOn  OEXERAL  lilEDESEL 


worked  with  energy  and  siiceeHts;  he  know  tlie  army  thoroughly, 
and  enjoyed  the  eonfidenee  of  the  offieers  and  men.  It  was*  a 
great  risk  to  remove  a  man.  who  was  so  peeuliarly  fitted  for  so 
imjiortant  a  pusition.  without  a  hetter  eause.  A Ulioiigli  greatly 
grieved,  he  bowed  to  the  will  oi'  hi.s  sovereign,  and  earried  out 
his  orders  to  the  letter.  On  the  lOth  of  May.  he  surrendered 
the  eommand  of  the  troops,  destined  for  the  expedition  into 
New  JMigland,  to  (Jeneral  IJurgoyne.  The  2lHh.  lUst  and 
34th  English  regiments,  the  battalion  of  Meliean  and  six  hun- 
dred and  fifty  (iermans  remained  in  Canada.  The  reenforee- 
nients  whieh  were  expeeted  from  England,  consisting  of  new 
companies  for  the  11th  Regiment,  were  also  to  remain.  The 
army  under  Hurgoyne  was  composed  of  the  English  regiment 
of  grenadiers,  the  Knglish  light  infantry,  the  Stth.  2(lth.  21st, 
24th.  27th,  r)3d  and  02d  (Jerman  infantry  regiments,  with  the 
exeejition  of  the  above  mentioned  six  hundred  and  fifty  men, 
and  the  whole  of  the  artillery  and  necessary  train  for  the  army. 
These  troops  were  to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  for  marching 
at  a  moment's  notice. 

General  Burgoyne  arrived  on  the  15th  of  ^fay  at  Three 
llivers.  Avhere  he  dined  with  (leneral  Riedesel.  At  this  time, 
he  inf<n-med  the  latter  that  he  designed  commencing  operations 
as  soon  as  the  provisions  arrived  from  Chambly  and  8t.  Jidin, 
for  the  maintenance  of  the  army  for  six  weeks;  and  as  soon 
also  as  a  sufficient  munber  of  vessels  for  transporting  the  troops 
could  be  collected.  Captain  Ludridge  received  the  command 
of   the    fleet    on    Lake   Chamiilain.    with  orders  to   sail  ahead 


toward   ('ro\yn   pi 


ipl 
lint,  and  keen  the  eneniv's  vessels  —  if  then 


jf 


were  any  in  that  vicinity  —  from  interfering  with  the  pass: 
the  main  body  of  the  fleet.  The  army  was  to  march  in  brigades 
to  the  right;  be  embarked  in  the  same  order,  and  unite  again 
near  Crown  point.  Ijieutenant  Colonel  St.  Leger  of  the  iUth 
Kegiment.  in  conse((uenee  of  express  orders  of  the  king,  was  to 
lead  an  independent  corps  in  the  approaching  campaign. 


This  corps   consisted  of  a  detachment  of  one   hundred 


am 


Si,' 


/A    TIIK  AMKltlCAX  ItKVOLVTIHS. 


99 


' 


. 


fnrf.v  nion  fVo.n  tho  ;54tli  lU-inient.  the  sanie  nunibor  Cnun  tlio 
iJtIi,  tlireo  companies  of  Cunadia..  voluntoor.s  and  all  the  Indians 
which  had  rondezvouHcd  at  Nia-ara.  From  this  hitter  point 
this  corps  marched  alon-  the  Mohawk  intending  to  make  their 
way  to  Albany  and  New  York  and  thus  form  the  advance  M,,ard 
for  the  army  which  was  to  follow.  On  his  arrival  m-ar  Albany, 
St.  Le-er  was  to  get  in  the  rear  of  those  Americans  who  were 
at  Ticomlerooa  and  thus  cut  off"  their  supplies.  Deneral  Bur- 
goyne  expected  great  things  from  this  corps,  as  it  was  known 
that  the  colonists  .stood  in  great  dread  of  the  Indians 

On  the  28th  of  May.  General  Kiedesel   received  orders  from 
J}urg„y„e  to  concentrate  the  German  troops  with  a  view  to  their 
embarkation  at  any  moment.     General  Garleton  and  suit  arrived 
at  Three   Rivers  on  the  :5(lth.  and  breakfasted  with   Riedesel 
\M\x  generals  remained  alone  over  an  hour,  and  then  bid  one 
another  farewell ;  for  each  had   learned  to  esteem  and  love  the 
other.     General  Carleton  then  went  to  Montreal  to  izive  or.lers 
...  regard  to  the  departure  of  the  troops.      Ho  manifested  m.t 
the  legist  ill  fl-eling  toward  ]5urgoync  ;  but  remained  as  friendly 
with  him  as  before,  lending  him  in  everythinu^  a  helping  hand 
He  retained   his  old  ..taft-  and  adjutants.     General    JJui-oyne 
therefore,  was  obliged  tr.  form  another  .staff  for  him.self  "  iVit 
.lotw^thstanding   this  apparent    resignation,  and   the  care  with 
which  he  arranged  evei-y  detail,  all   who  were  ac.|uainted    with 
Carleton,  knew  that  he  woul.l  soon  leave  the  theatre  of  war 


_  General  Kiede.sel  received  his  instructions  fbr  the  march 
fr.nn  General  Eurgoyne  on  the  31st  of  May,  and  thereupon 
issued  the  following  order  : 

-  The  battalion  of  light  infantry  is  to  be  between  St.  Denis 
and  Sorelon  the  LM  of  .June;  thence  it  will  continue  its  march 
reaching  Chambly  on  the   Otli.     IMams  and  baggage  are  to  bJ 
transposed  by  land  as  tar  as  St.  Therese.  where  the  battalion 
will   embark   and  sail,  by  way  of  St.  John.  Tsle  aux    Noix  and 


:^- 


100 


MAJOIl  GKNEUAL  niEDEHEL 


J'niiit  nil  Ker,  to  Cunibi'rlaiul  hoiid.  on  the  nortlicrii  sliore  of 
Liik(!  ('h!iiii}iliiiii.  tlic  pliifc  tor  tlie  rfiiilczvouH.  IJvcyniiinn'H 
battalion  of  jironadiers  will,  on  the  Bd.  cross  tlio  St.  liawrcnce, 
between  IJerthier  and  Sore),  keepinjia  day's  niarcli  behind  the 
battalion  of  lijiht  infantry  and  takinj;'  the  same  route.  The 
regiments  of  liesse  Haiiau  and  of  Trince  Frederick  of  Bruns- 
wick, uii<ler  Mrigadier  Von  Oall.  will  follow  the  firenadiers  ; 
the  rejjrinient  Kiedesel.  on  the  Sth  of  June  ;  the  refriment  of 
dragoons  on  the  Gth.  and  the  regiment  \'on  Hhetz  and  Specht, 
under  Hrigadier  Specht,  will  cross  the  St.  Lawrence  on  the  7th, 
and  follow  the  same  route.  All  the  lieavy  baggage,  together 
with  the  sick,  is  to  remain  at  Tiiree  Kivers.  All  the  rt-gimeuts 
will  take  rations  from  their  respective  magazines,  sufficient  to 
last  till  their  arrival  at  Cumberland  licad.  where  fresh  supplies 
will  be  distributed 

"As  there  are  not  a  sufficient  number  of  vessels  for  all  the 
regiments,  thebaggagc!  must  be  transported  liy  water,  and  those 
of  the  troops  wliii  cannot  be  aeconiuioduted  on  board  must 
march  on  the  land,  parallel  with  the  ships,  as  far  as  St.  John 
or  any  other  jioint  where  the  rest  of  t!ie  vessels  are  to  be 
furnished. 

"  All  the  regiments  and  companies  before  leaving  their  winter 
quarters  are  to  obtain  certificates  from  their  respective  parishes 
in  which  they  have  been  quartered  during  the  winter,  that  they 
owe  nobody,  and  that  no  one  has  any  complaints  against  them. 
This  is  done  that  our  good  reputation  f(U'  discipline  may  not  be 
h.st." 

The  detachment,  composed  of  the  six  hundred  and  fifty  men 
that  were  to  remain  in  Canada,  was  made  upon  the  1st  of  June. 
Lieutenant  Coloiuil  Ehrenkrook.  who  had  been  placed  in  com- 
mand of  it.  was  ordered  to  be  at  Three  Kivers  on  that  day  to 
receive  further  instructions.  All  t'lc  reports  were  to  be  sent 
to  Governor  Carleton.  as  it' was  under  liis  immediate  command. 
Neither  the  regiment  of  dragoons  n(u-  the  corps  of  cliasseurs 
furnished  men  I'or  this  detachment. 


I 


/.V  THE  AMElllVAN  IIEVUHTIOX. 


101 


The  (Iragodii  ro^iiiient  as  yet  had  nn-eivcd  no  horses ;  and  to 
a  great  extent  it  remained  Avitliout  tlieni  during  tlie  entire  war. 
And  although  this  regiment  was  accoutred  like  cavah-y  —  weai'- 
ing  ieatlier  pantaloons,  high  boots  and  gauntlets,  and*  carrying 
lieavy  swords  and  .short  carbines  — it  was  obliged  to  marchanil 
drill  the  same  as  infantry.  To  make  its  clothing  lighter, 
Riedesel  ordered  for  this  regiment,  and  the  regiment  Hiede.sel, 
long  linen  trousers,  striped  with  wliite  and  blue,  and  similar  to 
those  won.  by  the  inlial)itants  during  summer.  Tn  course  of 
tiuie  all  the  troc.ps  were  furnished  with  such  ])antaloons. 

Another  vessel  being  about  to  sail  at  this  time  to  Europe, 
Kiedesel  availed  liimself  of  the  opportunity  thus  j.resented.  t.i 
forward  his  dispatches  and  letters. 

The  German  troops  began  their  marcli  on  the  2d.  The  bat- 
talion of  chasseurs,  under  Barner.  went  to  Sorel  ;  the  regiment 
of  Prince  Frederick  to  the  parish  of  >ras(|uinong.!  and  Berthicr ; 
the  staif  and  three  companies  of  the  regiment  Specht  to  ("ape 
3Iadelaine;  and  one  company  of  the  reginuMit  Von  Hlietz, 
that  had  wintered  on  the  south  side  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  to 
Heaueourt  and  St.  Pierre,  thus  advancing  toward  Sorel,  where 
they  all  united  with  their  regiments. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Ehrenkrook  took  charge  of  his  detach- 
ment on  the  4th  of  June.     It  was  made  up  as  follows  : 


E 


'/i  w  r^ 


Of  tlie  Hiittalion  of  Greniulicrs, 
Of  tlie  Hcfrinient  Prince  Frederick, 

Of  file  Hejrinient  of   IJIictZ, .  .  .' 

Of  tlie  Hcjiinient  of  Kiedesel,.  .  ,  ,', 

Of  tlie  Hejriiuciit  of  S|)e(  lit 

Battalion  Von  Hnnier, 


liegiment  Hesse  Hauiiu,  ■■  ...  .^...\^..  ...,.,'<   .',    I     i 


ii 

i 
1 


g 


r  £ 


(1 

8 

7 
7 
7 
0 
7 


73 
01 
iH 
1)1 
91 
(18 
90 


Total 

Altogether  007  men. 


1        (i      12      48   000 


,f\ 


102  MA.IOIt  (lEXKllAL  lllEDmKl 

On  the  1st  of  .luiii'.  1777,  tlu;  Mninswick  troops,  according 
to  a  report  of  Adjutant  Clevo.  numbered  ;{,!J58  men,  a.s  follows  : 


at 
?  t 

ii 

1 
•E 

2 
a 

1 

Stuff, 

6 
20 
37 
27 
27 
27 
t!) 
24 

7 
33 
02 
02 
(12 
(i2 
4o 
5(1 

'h 

15 
15 
15 
15 
20 
14 

0 
240 

rm 

5!i5 
535 
535 
452 

528 

4 

Hc^iniciit  Dnijrooiis 

m 

Uciriiiicnt  Prince  Frederick 

41 

Hfijfiiiieiit  of  Ulietz 

41 

l{e;rimeiit  of  Hiedesel 

41 

IJejrinieiit  of  Spedit 

Biittulioii  (ireiuKlier.f 

41 

•^,8 

liuttulioii  Burner 

30 

Totiil .^. 

177 

:i8() 

102 

3372 

201 

On  the  1st  of  .lanuiiry.  1778,  it  consisted  of  170  otlicers,  382  non-coni- 
niissioned  otlicers,  !!.">  nuisiciims,  3,().")2  ]>rivates,  25)!  servants, 

Mitxtiir/. —  1  oflicer,  7  non-connnissioned  olliccrs,  7  lutisicians,  320 
privates,  8  servants, 

I'/ii/i'i)//. —  4,301  men  ;  actual  iiunil)er,  3,!I58  ;  missinjr  therefrom,  343. 
Sick,  70  :  missinij,  202  ;  under  arrest,  •> ;  toiretlier,  343  men. 

General  Hiedesel  and  staff  left  Tliret;  Jiivers  on  the  5th, 
makiufi'  the  journey  l)_v  w.iter,  aiul  spent  the  fii>t  ni,uht  at  >Ias- 
((uinonnc  wliitiuu-  lirinadier  (ienerai  Specht  liad  preceded  them 
with  liis  re,^iment.  Tlie  head  quarters  of  the  Gernum  troops 
on  the  (ith  was  at  S(U-el.  where  the  (JTth  Kcuiment,  under  tlie 
brave  (^olomd  Anstruther.  liad  already  arrived.  This  rej^iment 
was  one  of  the  best  in  the  Knjilish  army,  haviuji'  distingui,shed 
itself  on  every  occasion.  Tt  belonged  to  the  brigade  of  General 
Hamilton,  but  for  the  present  it  was  to  rinuaiu  at  this  place  for 
the  protection  of  the  transports  and  magazines. 

On  the  "til,  Hiedesel  took  up  his  (juarters  in  the  parish  of 
Chambly  this  side  of  the  fort.  The  battalion  of  Harner  and 
the  grenadier  battalion  of  lireymann  had  arrived  on  the  pre- 
vious day.  ami  thus  had  several  hours  for  rest.  The  rapids, 
whidi  begin  near  l"'ort  Chambly  and  extiuid  two  lijagues  up  the 
stream  to  St.  Therese.  considerably  impeded  the  progress  of  the 
tr(jops;  for  the  vessels  ould  not  sail  up  them,  and  eon.sequently 
all  the  baggage  had  to  be  carried  around  on  teams.     The  regi- 


4  ■  , 


IN  THE  AMKmCAX  UEVOUWION. 


103 


nients  roocived  tlioir  vessels  and  bii->.i;i<;e  at  St.  Tlioreso.  On 
tlie  8tli.  Hiedesel  made  liis  head  (juarters  ab.ive  Fcrt  t'lianibly. 
and  remained  tliere  for  tlie  present. 

On  tlie  Kitli.  General  I'liillips  arrived  and   dined  witli   liini. 
General    Hnrjioyno  also  arrived  in  tlie  evenin-.  and   fi.xed   liis 
quarters  in  an  udjoinin--'  villaj-c  below  the  fort.     On  the  niorn- 
in-  of  the  11th,  (Jeneral  I'hillip.s  left  for  St.  John,  and  th..re- 
npon    l>nrj:-oyne    took  pos.so.ssion    ,,f    his    (inarters.     At    noon 
Unr-.,yne  went  to  St.  .John,  and  {{iedesel  to  St.  There.se.  where 
he  dined  with  Colonel  .MeKen/.ie  of  the  aist  lie-inient.     Tiiis 
re.aiinent   was  one   of  tlmse  that   were  destined  to  remain    in 
Canada.     Thence   Hiedesel   went  to  St.  John.      Here  lu^  fonnd 
everything  entirely  ehan-ed.     Di.rin-  the  whole  of  the  winter 
the  troops  had   hecMi   kept  at  work   on   the  fortification.s  which 
were    now  -reatly  enlar-ed  and   improved.     New   houses  had 
been  built  for  the  commander  and  the  officers  ;  also  comfortable 
barracks  for  five  hundred  men.      Hesidcs  the  -rcat  niaoazines, 
new  bakeries,   breweries,  workhouses.  bla(;ksmiths'  and   other 
shops  neces.sary  for  ship  bnildin-  had  also  been  erected.     In  a 
word,  the  place  had   now  all   the  appearance  of  a  fortified  city. 
A  very  pretty  house  was  prepared  for  (u'lieral    Kiedesel.     On 
the  mornin- of  the   12th,  (leneral  Carleton  arrived  at  the  fort 
for  the  purpo.se  of  a.uain   insp,.ctiiijz   the  division  of  the  army 
(luartered  here,  and  of  consulting  with  (leiieral  Ihir-oyne  and 
other  officers  on  several   topics  of   moment.     All   thi;   officers 
present  paid  their  respects  to  their    commander    whom    they 
were  about  to  leave,  and  to  whom  they  were  all  nmst  tenderly 
attaelied.     The  partino-  was  <leeply  affectin-.     All    the    chief 
officers  dined  with  General  Phillips;  and  while  they  were  still 
at   table  a  niessen-er  arrived  from   Quebec  with    the  news  that 
fifteen  transports  had  arriv('d   there  from   Kurope.     This  fleet 
consisted  in  all  of  thirty-nine  ves.seLs  laden  with  troops  and  war 
material.     It  bron-ht  eleven  companies  from  Kn-land.  toncther 
with   four   hundred   chas.seiirs    from    llanaii   destined    for   the 
German  corps.     Captain  Thomas  and   Lieutenant   Ruth  from 


104 


MAJOR  QKNEIIAL  lilRDKSEL. 


HniuHwifk  wi'i'u  also  on  Imiird  with  recruits,  money,  clothing 
nnd  dispatchcH.  One  isliip,  the  Isabella  Dorothea,  with  one 
hundred  more  IJnmswiek  recruits,  had  not  yet  arrived,  havinji 
beconu)  separated  from  tlie  rest  of  the  fleet  durin<i'  the  passajiC. 
(!aptain  Thomas  received  orders  to  take  his  recruits  to  Three 
Rivers,  leave  them  there,  and  then  follow  (iencral  Hiedesel. 
liiedesel's  wife  and  three  children  had  also  arrived  in  the  fleet. 
lie  rejoiced  f^reatly  at  this  intelligence,  and  being  still  at  table, 
all  present  drank  to  the  health  of  the  newly  arrived  family.i 

On  the  morning  of  the  ISth,  General  Carleton  and  suit  left 
for  the  Isle  au  Noix.  lie  received  a  parting  salute  frftm  the 
ships  Carleton.  Lee,  and  Hadeau,  which  were  still  lying  at 
anchor  in  the  river.  The  national  flags  floated  from  the  masts 
of  the  first  two  vessels ;  while,  from  the  two  masts  of  the  l?adeau 
or  floating  battery  —  which  had  lately  been  refitted — the  Eng- 
lish and  IJrunswiek  flags  were  displayed. 

In  the  meanwhile,  fifteen  hundred  horses  had  been  purchased  in 
Canada  for  the  army.  Tliey  were  to  be  sent  to  Crown  point  by  land. 

On  the  morning  of  the  14th.  General  Carleton  received  the 
dragoon  regiment.  lie  also  witnessed  the  landing  of  the  regi- 
ments of  Kheti!  and  Specht,  the  troops  of  which  defiled  before 
him.  lie  expressed  his  entire  satisfaction  with  the  good 
behavior  and  discipline  of  the  Brunswick  troops ;  and,  after 
bidding  farewell  to  IJurgoyne  and  Kiedesel,  he  left  for  Montreal. 

On  the  15th,  Burgoyne  went  to  Isle  au  Noix.  On  his  depart- 
ure he  also  received  a  salute  of  fifteen  guns  from  the  ship  Carleton. 

By  the  ISth.  the  whole  of  the  German  corps  had  arrivtnl  at 
Cumberland  head.  This  place  is  seven  and  a  half  leagues 
distant  from  Point  au  I'er.  The  entire  army  was  now  together, 
with  the  exception  of  Hamilton's  brigade,  which,  as  has  been 
already  mentioned,  was  to  remain  for  the  present,  to  protect 
the  magazines,  but  was  to  follow  on  afterward.  The  position 
of  tlie  army  was  now  as  follows  : 


'  For  a  more  partlciiltir  nccouiit  of  tUU  cpisodo,  kcc  The  Letters  aiul  Journals  of 
Mrs.  General  Hiedesel. 


i 


i 


(X 

c 

K 
H 

a 


.a 
Tc 


A 
i 


K 


2 

a 


a 
5 


m 

a 
w 


« 


i 

c 


m 
1-3 


o 

o 


.2 
•S 


ai 


14 


r;'^* 


km; 


MA./on  OKNERAh  IIIKDKSHL. 


% 


Oknkhat,  Disposition  ok  the  Army. 

"  To  tlio  (li!ta('liiiK'iit  (if  tlu!  corps  of  IJrifradicr  (it'iiiTiil  Friiser, 
wliicli  foriiiH  tlio  advmicc  and  consists  of  the  Kiijilisli  li^lit 
infantry,  tlio  English  grenadiers  and  the  24th  Regiment,  are 
to  })o  added  th(!  Canadian  corps  of  Captain  .Monen  and  Houcher- 
viile,  also  Cajitain  Kra.ser's  detachment  and  a  corps  of  savages. 
'I'iie  IJriinswick  chasseurs,'  tlie  grenadiers  and  the  light  infantry 
\'on  JJarner,  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Breyuiaini.  will  form 
the  reserve  cori)S.  The  Brunswick  regiment  of  dragoons  is,  for 
the  present,  to  do  duty  at  head  quarters.  The  corps  of  Peter 
and  Jessop  shall  also  he  outside  of  the  line  of  march.  The 
recruits  of  the  153d  Regiment,  under  Tiieutenunt  Nutt,  shall 
for  the  pres(!nt,  serve  on  board  the  fleet.  The  army  will  en- 
camp, until  otherwise  ordered,  in  the  following  manner :  (See 
opposite  l)age), 

'•  If  the  army  should  encamp  in  two  lines,  then  the  second 
hrigade  is  to  occupy  a  position  in  the  rear  of  their  respective 
nationalities.  The  brigadier  generals  will  always  encamp  with 
their  respective  brigades." 

On  the  morning  of  the  nineteenth,  General  IJurgoyne  had  the 
whole  army  under  arms;  and  riding  down  the  entire  front,  he 
appointed  the  following  day  for  the  march.  The  whole  army 
was  to  be  provided  with  sufficient  rations  to  last  until  the  Itdth 
of  June.  Accordingly,  on  the  following  morning  (the  20th), 
instead  of  the  reveille,  the  general  march  was  beate.i,  and  soon  the 
army  was  in  readiness  for  the  embarkation,  (ieneral  Hnrgoyne 
with  great  pomp,  went  on  board  the  Lady  Mary ;  and  imme- 
diately the  booming  of  cannon  from  this  ship  announced  that 
the  army  were  about  to  start. 

The  company  of  chas.seurs,  the  battalion  of  light  inflmtry, 
and  the  battalion  of  light  grenadiers  formed  the  advance  guard. 
At  a  distance  of  two  hundred  yards  followed  the  dragoon  regi- 


'  Also  called  yitgers. 


i  I. 

•c 

a; 

o 

! 


o 

7, 


E-( 


Ilegliii'iitirt'i'HlaJIiiimii. 


JIck'I  I'riiico  Kn'derlck. 


^ 

^ 

.2> 

I 

a? 

« 

/. 

.'^ 

c; 

5" 

3 

*) 

X 

tC 

C5 


Regiment  Voii  Rledesel. 


Ucglmeut  Von  .Speclit. 


lU'ginient    Von    Ulielz. 


p  a 


y.   =}■ 


:  mil  Kii^'iisii  Ucij't. 


.•i.")lll   l';i]!,'|ls|l   lt>..r'f. 


:   nth  Knijlisli  l{,..r-|. 


aOtliKngli-liKi.^r't. 


03(1  Knglish  Hcg't. 


21?t  Kni,'liyh  Keij-t. 


108 


MA.InIt  ilt:\h:il.\l.  ltli:i)KsHh 


I' 


liii'iit;  tlu'ii,  lit  llic  Millie  distiiiici'.  ciiiiic  tlic  bri'^idi-  nf  (iriicnil 


IVuvcll  ;    flicii    till'   lii'it:.i(l('  nl'  (J:il 


Mini      lust     of     all,     tllilt     lit' 


S|n'clit.      l-'iiiir  lit'  till'  liatcMiix  tiiniicil  a  line.      H^y  iiiiil-ilay  tlui 
aniiv  ari'ivi'il  at   tlirir  <'aiii|i  in    Ijijiiinicr  liay.   liaviii^r  uilviuH'fd 


tiiiir  ai 


III  a  iiall'  Icaiiiics.      (IciiiTal  !•' 


•r  liail  left  till'  (lay  lirfiiro 
with  liis  l)rij;aili'  I'ur  jtivcr  Miiiu|ui't.  At  tliij^  latter  imint  tho 
la,-<t  lit'  the  three  liiiliaii  trilies  eaiiie  ii|i.  with  tlie  iiiteiitinii  of 
reiiiaiiiiiifi  heiieetiirth  with  the  army.  Tluwo  savajfeM  iiuiubi!ri)d 
ahiiiit  line  limiilreil.  The  uther  Imlians  were  alreaily  at  ('mwii 
liiiint.  where,  they  hail  Miiriiriseil  a  detaehinent  ut'  the  enemy, 
killeil  tell,  anil  ea|itureil  an   ei|mil  niimher  v.hnm  tliey  sealjied. 


In    the    eveniii"     tlie     Wasliiiititi 


as   added    tii    tlie    fleet, 


tleiieral    Huruuyiie    sailed    in   advanee,    in    order   tn   eateh 
with   (leneral    l''raser,  and    reach   Crnwii    jmiiit    as  (|iiiekly 
piissible.      IJct'nre  leaviiif;;  he  fiave  (ieiierul    IJiedoHol  th 
maiul  lit'  the  army,  with  urders  to  i 


U8 


U    C(IU>- 


iilliiW   Wl 


th  it 


as  sunn  as  liu 


was  a  hie. 

It  was  iiiiderstiMiil  that  at  I'mir  u'eloek  mi  the  iiiuriiin^'  id' 
the  2l!d.  the  army  was  tu  make  a  I'resh  start,  (leiiei.il  h'raser 
haviiijr  reeeived  orders  to  move  up  closi^  to  Crown  point  on  that 
day.  Iliedesel  had  the  army  ready  to  move  at  the  a|i|iointeJ 
hour,  hut  Just  as  it  was  on  the  iioiiit  ot'emliarkin;:.  a  violent  wind 
uro.He,  and  the  waves  on  the  lake  beat  uji  so  I'uriously.  that  those 


troops,  w 


ho  had  been  sent  in  advance  and  could  be  seen  f'r 


oin 


the  shore,  were  in  eoiistant  dani-er  ot'beiii"'  drowned.     The  chief 


dan 


ner  cons 


isted 


in  sailiii";  an 


(Uiiil  Point  do  liij^onier  which  took 
them  four  luiurs.  (reiicral  Hiedesel  made  several  attempts  to 
weather  this  daujierous  point,  but  failing'  in  all  of  them,  and 
beiii;^  reluctant  to  expose  the  army  to  such  danjier,  \w  <;avo 
orders  to  return  to  its  old  camp.  The  next  nioriiin<;  the  weather 
was  more  favorable  and  the  troops  w'erc;  at  mice  cmbarkiid;  but 
scaretdy  were  they  ajiaiii  upon  the  water,  when  a  terrible  tliund(>r 
and  hail  storm  arose.  Fortunately,  however,  the  lake  remained 
ijiiiet.  The  thunder  storm  was  soon  succeeded  \ty  a  fo<i;  so  dense 
that  the  drummer.s  in  the  advance  were  obliiied  to  beat  their 


/.v  Till-:  .[Mh:itii  .\.\  nh:\(,ij  iii).\. 


Iii'.l 


ilniiiis  (■..iitimiiilly  tn  ki'c|.  the  fli'ct  l,,p.t|i,.r  n\\i\  iiidii'iitc  tlic 
foiiPNc  to  lie  imrHiicd.  Diirinu  tlir  vuvnp'  lltiiiiilfon's  liripiil.^ 
fiiii^lit  up,  iiimI  at  <uic(!  received  onlcrH  tVniii  IlicdcHfl  I..  Inlldw 
tlif  iiniiy.  At'fiT  lu'iiiM  ;i|mi||I  ilniM'  Ikiuim  mi  flic  wutcr  a  .stnin.r 
wind  nunc  iqi,  cmisiii^  (lie  waves  to  mil  very  liit-'li  ;  Init  now 
then-  was  rii>  alternative  Init  In  cimtiinic  llie  vnvap'.  While 
passinj^'  tlimuuh  this  danovr.  the  tmops  not  (.nly  iudiaved  with 
the  most  exemplary  (irdcr,  hut.  in  their  small  vessels,  calmly 
and  eonrajfeously  battled  with  the  waves,  shnwin^'  eonsiderahio 
dexterity  in  the  ii.so  of  the  ru<liler.  Kive  ves.scls  were  driven 
out  (d'  their  (loiirse,  and  ;'  rc-d  to  land  on  the  isle  anx  (^ualres 
Vents.  Tliey.  however,  ndied  the  army  the  i'ollowin;;  day. 
The  samii  iky  (the  '1M\).  Hicdc.sel  encamped  with  his  army  on 
tli(!  left  sIku-c  (d'  the  lake,  licyoud  the  river  IJomiuet,  at  the 
same  time  detaehinf''  the  corps  of  Hreynuiun  and  the  dra,i;oon 
roKinioiit  to  the  opposite  side  (d' the  river;  the  former  for  the 
protccticm  of  the  ri-iht  winj:,  and  the  latter  for  the  left.  Ifeie 
bread  was  baked  for  four  days. 

In  the  afternoon  of  the  next  day  the  army  auain  )M';;,in  its 
march.  The  weather  was  <h'li-htful,  and  it  reached  Hottom 
bay  the  same  ni^lit.  On  tho  day  followiuf,'  (the  2(;th  )  the  army 
arrivt^l  at  uiiu'  o'clock  in  tho  uiorninj;'.  at  Crown  point.  I  Fere 
(leneral  Kiede.sel  surrendered  the  command  to  (leneral  IJur- 
goyne.  General  Fraser  immeduitcly  started  auain,  and  ad- 
vanced to  Putnam  river,  between  Crown  point  and  Carillon, i 
At  this  point  the  army  was  distributed  in  the  following  manner  : 
The  two  Kuglish  brigades,  under  (Jeneral  Phillips,  occupied  the 
plain  arou  d  tlie  fort  at  Crown  point;  the  corps  of  ]?reymanii 
the  right  shore  of  the  lake  near  the  wind  mill;  while  (Jeneral 
Riedfssel.  with  the  tierman  brigade,  was  more  to  the  left  on  tlie 
proii">ntory  called  Chimney  point.  Orders  were  issued  that 
each  wing  was  to  act  independently  of  tlie  other.  The  artillery 
was  distributed  among  the  two  wings ;  and  entrenchments  for  all 


'  Ticonderoga, 


no 


MA.Kjit  (ii:\h:it.\L  iiiKHh:si':L 


the  rouinii'iits  wen'  iikkIi!.      Kaeli  wiiij:'  ri'ci'ivod  six  six-iioundars, 
aiul  tlirec  tlirci'-pmiiidcrs. 

From  prisdiu'vs  and  doscrtiTs  it  wa.s  asi'ortaiiuul  that  the 
uiKMuy  near  Carillnii  iiunibnred  between  three  and  four  thousiind 
nii-M  ;  tiiat  tlicy  wcm'c  (K'cu|iyinj:'  at  tliat  place  a  iiirtified  eanip 
whioli  tliey  intended  to  ludd;  tliat  everytiiinj^-  uround  their 
eaiup  ha<l  been  cleared  away;  and  that  they  were  still  working 
on  tin-  entrenchments.  The  deserters  also  stated  that  the  Ame- 
ricans acted  very  crnelly  toward  those  who  did  not  embrace  their 
callS(^  having  only  the  day  before  hanged  six  loyalists. 

Magazines  were  erected  at  Crown  point,  and  the  transport 
ships  were  unloaded ;  after  which  they  returned  to  St.  John  to 
reload.  The  day  ])re\  ions,  the  fleet  advanced  as  far  as  Put- 
nam's river;  l)Ut  the  army  eontiinied  in  its  old  position,  while 
Hurgoyne.  who  intended  to  attack  the  fortified  camp  of  tlie 
Americans,  sent  the  Indians  in  advance  to  get  in  their  rear. 
Hut  before  he  C(mld  successfully  carry  out  his  plan,  he  was 
forced  to  wait  for  his  heavy  artillery  and  the  necessary  aniniu- 
uitiou. 

On  the  ;->Oth.  (icneral  Kraser  advanced  toward  Carillon,  and 
encamped  on  J-'ive  Mile  j)oint.  a  distance  of  five  Knglish  leagues 
from  the  fort,  lie  lost  no  time  in  reconnoitring  the  enemy's 
camp,  approaching  so  near  it  as  to  be  fired  at  with  cannon  from 
the  i'ort.  The  Knglish  (juarter  niiister  general.  Lieutenant  Co- 
lonel Carleton.  improved  this  opport\inity  to  select  the  ground 
for  the  next  encampnu-nt  ol' thi^  army. 

Leaving  a  detachment  of  one  staff  officer  and  two  hundred 
nu'n  near  Crown  ])oint  for  the  defense  of  the  magazines,  the 
army  in  their  bateaux  started  again  at  five  o'clock  in  the 
morning  of  .Inly  L  in  two  divisions.  The  corps  of  (ieneral 
Phillips  was  on  tlu;  right  or  west,  and  that  of  ( ieneral  Hiedesel 
on  th(\  left  or  east  side  of  the  lake.  The  dragoons  fornunl  the 
advance  guard  of  the  whole  army.  Captain  Fraser  advanced 
with  his  Indians  and  Canadians,  two  miles  beyond  l^rigadior 
Frascr's  last  camp  near  Five  Mile  point,  and  awaited  the  army 


/.\'  Tin:  AMKUivAS  itEvm.vrios. 


Ill 


near  Threo  ^lile  point.     Urigadior  Fniser  advanced  thi«  day 
witli  liis  brigade  to  tlie  latter  place,  while  Captain  Fraser  took 
up  a  jxp.'-itioii  to  the  right  on  the  road  to  tlie  saw  niill«.     The 
fleet  advanced  as  far  as  Three  Mile  point,  almost  within  cannon 
shot  of  the  rebel  caiup.     The  right  wing  of  the  army  encamped 
on  the  spot  where'  the  brigade  of  Fraser  had  been,  but  the  left 
winii-.  inider  Uiedesel,  encamped  on  the  eastern  shore  opposite 
the  riglit  wing.     The  corps  of  (leiieral  Hreyniann  advanced  on 
the  sanii^  shore  as  fur  as  the  left  wing  of  the  fleet.      From  the 
flag  ship,  the  Royal  George,  one  coidd  easily  survey  the  enemy's 
positi.m.     The  .\mericans  were  estimated  at  from  four  to  five 
thousand  nuMi.  consisting  of  twelve  regiments  divided  into  fonr 
brigades  commanded  by  (Jeneral  St.  Clair.     The  enemy's  posi- 
tion was  covered  on  the  right  flank  by  Fort  rndependence  built 
on  a  considerable  eminence,  and  fortified  by  three  successive  lines 
of  fortiflcations.     It  was  separated  by  water  from  Fort  Carilbui 
which  lay  on  the  opposite  side  and  consisted  of  nothing  but  the 
old  l''rench  works.      IJetweeu  the  forts  were  f  :ar  armed  vessels, 
in  front  of  which  wis  a  bridge  connecting  the  two  forts.     Tn 
front  of  this  liridge  there  was  a  very  strong  iron  chain  hangini;- 
across  the  water,  which  was  intended  to  break  the  first  assault 
of  the  British.     To  tlie  left  of  Fort  Carilhiu  then;  was  another 
fortification   upon  a  hill  covering  the  enemy's  left,  toward  the 
saw  mills.      Fort  Carillon  was  manned  by  one-half  of  the  .\me- 
rican  force,  which  C(msisted  of  six,  regimeufs  or  two  brigades  5 
the  third  brigade  was  at    Fort    lnde)iendence  ;  and  the  fourth 
was  distributed  outside  of  the  fort.     This  was  the  position  of 
the  Americans  when  Oener.l  IJurgoyne  arrived  in  front  of  Fort 
Carillon. 

I'p  to  noon  of  the  2d  of  .July,  all  was  (juiet  on  the  side  of 
the  Americans,  but  toward  twelve  o'clock  thiy  ojiened  fire  on 
Captain  Fraser's  ciu-ps  vhich  was  nearest.  At  the  same 
time  a  great  commotion  was  ohserved  in  the  enemy's  camp, 
which  seemed  to  indicate  that  thiy  were  about  to  evacuate  a 
part  of  their   entrenchments.      Genera!    Fraser   now   received 


112 


MA.IOfl  (lUKKltM.  JtlEDFSKL 


orders  to  iidviiiicc  with  liis  forjis  (wliicli  stood  in  the  woods),  on 
the  entreiiehiiifiits  of  tlie  cneiiiy.  (ieneral  IMiillijis  also,  moved 
more  to  tiie  rijilit  and  occupied  the  saw-mills.  The  Indians  at 
first  advanced  with  <ireat  courafie  against  the  tiirtifications  of 
the  eneniv.  hut  were  received  with  .spirit.  .Meanwhile,  ( ieneral 
Hieih'sel  likewise  moved  forward  with  IJreyniann's  corjts  and 
occuj)icd  a  position  in  front  of  Fort  Indejiendenee  hehind  the 
river  IVtite  .Marie.  The  whole  of  the  left  wing  was  now  pushed 
ahead  to  the  position  formerly  occupied  hy  Lieutenant  Colonel 
IJreymann.  That  officer  was  under  fire,  toward  evening,  from 
one  of  the  water  hatteries  of  Fort  Independence.  This  fire  of 
the  enenij',  however,  had  no  other  eflfeet  than  to  wound  one  of 
his  corps,  and  kill  two  of  Fraser's  artillerists.  Ouring  the 
attack  on  the  fortifications,  the  Fnglish  lost  in  killed  and 
wounded,  only  one  officer  and  a  lew  men.  The  Americans  lost 
one  officer,  and  al)out  twenty  men. 

On  the  lid.  the  enemy  continued  their  cannonading;  other- 
wise it  was  (|uiet  on  l)oth  sides.     The  floating  hattery  arrived 


n  the  afteri 


loon. 


\  great   deal   was  expected  from  this 


'am. 


31eanwliile.  the  .Vmericans  rc(!nforced  the  entrenchments  on 
their  left  wing  with  one  hattalioii  from  Fort  Fiulei)endence. 
Captain  Fraser.  with  his  Indian  and  Cana<lian  volunteers  was 
to  strengthen    the   position   of  (Ieneral 


sent  tu   the  left 


winu 


Kiedesel.     The  Finglish.  learning  that  a  detaduneiit.  consisting 
of  eisiht  hundred  men  with  ammunition  and  provisi 


ions,  were  on 


tl 


leir  wa 


y  from  New  llamjishire  to  the  fort.  Captain  Fraser 
was  ordered  to  intereciit  them.  The  order,  however,  came  too 
late;  fur  tlie  detachment  hail  already  arrived  at  the  fort.  .Vt 
this  point  (ieneral  Hiedesel  sent  Captain  (ierlach,  with  one 
hundred  nu'ii,  to  reconnoitre,  and  find  a  road  hy  means  of 
which,  the  enemy's  fort  might  he  attacked  in  the  rear. 

On  the  Itii.  Iiiedesel  ordered  his  infantry  to  advance  to  a 
position  hetween  the  two  wings  of  his  division  and  the  corps  of 
lireyniann,  that  they  might  support  the  latter  in  case  of  need. 
In  pursuance  of  an  order  from  the  commanding  general,  (iall's 


IX  THE  AMKIUCAX  liKVOLUTlON. 


113 


brigiidc  eroHsed  to  tlu;  western  side  of  tlii^  l;ikc.  ami  Dccinned 
the  f'oniKT  pdssition  of  tlio  Kiijilisli  l)rij;!idi's,  under  (leiienil 
riiilli]).s.  Tlie  Iieavv  .aiins  on  the  radeaii  or  floatinj;-  battery 
were  removed,  the  latter  not  beinji-  able  to  ajiproacli  the  fort  on 
account  of  its  great  draii.ulit  and  its  <;eiieral  unwieldiness.  Cap- 
tain Twiss  of  the  eni;ineers.  selected  a  place  where  he  posted  two 
battel  ies  to  command  the  fort. 

On  the  evening  of  the  5th,  the  enemy,  after  setting  lire  to  the 
underbrush  in  their  camp,  were  greatly  alarmed  lest  the  wind, 
which  had  begun  to  blow  furiously,  should  drive  the  flames  on 
to  their  magazines,  (ieneral  Hiedesel  no  sooner  noticed  their 
alarm,  than  he  had  his  troojis  at  once  end)arked  as  if  to  make 
an  attack;  and  (ieneral  IJurgoyne,  at  the  sanu'  time,  changed 
the  position  of  his  guns  to  support  the  assault.  This  caused 
the  Americans  to  come  out  of  the  f(U't.  Darkness,  however 
now  came  on,  and  Hiedesel  disembarked  his  troops  and  sent 
them  back  into  camp.  It  had  not  been  his  intention  to  attack, 
))ut  only  t4i  force  the  enemy  to  come  out  of  their  fortification.s, 
and  in  this  he  succeeded.  During  the  night,  fire  was  notieed 
issuing  from  one  of  the  enemy's  magazines;  and  in  the  mm-n- 
ing  the  p]nglish  discovered  to  their  surprise  that  the  Americans 
had  vacated  their  important  position.  Kiedesel  immediately 
embarked  his  men  and  took  possession  of  Kort  Independence 
at  the  same  time  that  (iciu'ral  Krascr  occupied  Fort  ("arillmi. 
Eighty  large  cannon,  five  thousand  tons  of  flour,  a  great  quantity 
of  meat  and  provisions,  fifteen  thousand  stand  of  arms,  a  lar-e 
amount  of  ammunition,  two  hundred  o.xeu.  besides  bagi'aoo 
and  tents,  were  found  in  the  two  camps  of  the  cue:  y. 

It  seems  the  more  singular  that  the  enemy  should  have  left 
everything  behind  them  when  it  is  recollected  that  their  camp 
was  not  surrounded,  but  that,  on  the  c(mtrary.  the  communica- 
tion with  New  Hampshire  was  .still  open.  (Ireat  fright  and 
consternation  must  have  prevailed  in  the  tuiemy's  camp,  other- 
wise they  would  have  taken  time  to  destroy  the  .stcu-es  and  save 
something. 

If) 


114 


M A.I  on  a  i:  SKI!  A  I.  hikdksei. 


Vi? 


It- 


(leiieral  IJurjioyiit-.  ii|)(Pii  tliel'all  of  Ciirilldii,  is!<ued  the  follow- 
ing' order : 

■•  Urigadior  Frasor.  with  twenty  eoiiiiianies  of  Kiigli.sh  grena- 
diers and  light  infantry  shall  niareli  to  Castletown  '  and  Skeens- 
borongh  ■'  and  attack  the  c^neniy  wlio  havi;  retreated  by  land, 
(leneral  Riedesel  with  his  eorjis  of  reserves,  under  JJreyniann, 
and  the  infantry  regiment  of  Uiede.sel,  shall  follow  the  eorjts  of 
Frascr  and  siipiMirt  it  in  ease  of  attack.  The  fleet  iind  the 
rest  of  the  army,  shall  pursue  their  way  to  Skeensborough  by 
water,  aiul  attack  the  fleet  of  the  rebels  and  that  part  of  their 
army  which  have  taken  their  way  thence  by  water." 

General  Kiedesel,  that  he  might  lose  no  time,  took  a  company 
of  yagers  and  an  advanced  guard  of  eighty  men  from  Hrey- 
niann's  corps  and  hastened  on.  leaving  orders  for  the  rest  of 
this  corps  and  his  own  regiment  to  follow  on  immediately. 
After  marching  fourteen  English  miles  he  overtook  Brigadier 
Fraser  with  one-half  his  corps  and  agreed  with  him  that  he 
(Fraser)  should,  that  same  day.  niarcli  three  Hnglish  miles 
further  and  there  bivouac  for  the  night ;  while  he,  himself, 
would  also  encamp  for  the  night  on  the  spot  wlu're  he  had 
caught  up  with  him.  It  was  further  agreed  that  at  three 
o'clock  the  next  morning  both  corps  should  start  togethiir  and 
continue  their  march  to  iSkeensborough.  In  ease  General  Fraser 
found  the  enemy  too  strong  for  him  he  was  to  wait  for  General 
Uiedesel  and  thus  otter  a  united  i'ront  to  the  enemy. 

In  accordance  with  this  arrangement,  (ieneral  Uiedesel 
started  on  the  7th  of  July,  at  three  o'clock  in  tlie  morning, 
ami,  after  marching  four  miles,  met  Captain  .McKay  who  had 
been  sent  by  Fraser  to  inform  him  that  he  was  on  his  march 
and  would  wait  for  him  at  lluhbardton.  The  general,  surmis- 
ing at  onee  what  the  halt  signified,  hastened  on  as  (juickly  as 
possible  with  his  advance  guard  to  overtake  Fraser  —  tiie  regi- 
ments that  followed,  in  the  meanwhile,  continuing  tlieir  march 


'  CaHtk'ton,  Vt. 
•'  Wliitelmll,  N.  Y. 


»^«*^-:. 


/.V  77/ A'  AM /■:/!/ (A. \  JlKVOUTlDX. 


115 


;if  tin.  usual  sjkhmI.  Hi,.,!,.,.,.].  ;,ftor  .imvclii.io.  alM.nt  a  (|Uavtor 
t.r  an  liour.  hcanl  „  brisk  iirii.o-  ,,f  imiskctry.  Ife.  tliiMvfi.n', 
IHislu'd  t;,rwar(l  with  his  iidvaiico  -uanl  with  still  f-ivatcr 
rapidity.  Captain  I'ludliiitz  In-ino-  sont  hack  to  (ell  !.ici?tciiant 
Colonel  {{reymaiin  to  f        ,■  on  as  (,nickly  as  ijossihlo. 

In  the  meantime  a  secon.l  offieer  arrived  from  Fraser  and 
rej-orted  to  the  Jh-nuswiek  oeneral  that  the  former  had  met  the 
enemy  in  such  foree  that  he  would  not  he  able  to  withstand  him 
unless  ho  was  speedily  reenforced.  It  was  impossible,  however, 
for  Riedesel  to  hasten  any  faster.  He.  aeeordin-ly,  sent  w<.rd 
to  Fraser  that  he  was  already  on  the  way  to  his  aid  and  would 
soon  be  with  him.  At  last  the  Brunswick  troops,  after  a  rapid 
march  of  a  .|uarter  of  an  hour,  arrived,  terribly  heated,  upon  an 
eminence  from  which  could  he  seen  the  contending  forces. 

Oeneral  J{iedesel  saw  at  a  -lanee  that  the  Americans  were 
moving  m(,re  and  more  toward  the  ri-ht  with  the  evident 
intention  of  surrounding'  Fraser's  left  wing.  He.  thei'efore, 
resolved  to  out  manoeuvre  them  and  get  into  their  rear! 
Accordingly  he  ordered  the  company  of  yiigers  to  advance 
to  the  attack,  while  the  rest  of  the  troops  were  to  endeavor  to 
fall  up.m  the  entmiy's  rear,  [n  order  to  puzzle  the  enemy,  and 
make  him  J)elieve  that  his  assailant.s  were  stronger  than  they 
really  were,  he  ordered  a  hand  of  nmsic  to  j)recede  the  ya- 
gers. At  this  moment  an  aid  iyrived  with  a  message  froui 
Fraser,  to  the  effect  that  he  feared  his  left  wing  would^'be  sur- 
n.umled.  Kiedesel  sent  word  back  to  him  that  he  was  at  that 
very  instant  about  to  attack  the  enemy's  right  win"'. 

The  company  of  yiigers  advance.l  courageously  up..n  the 
enemy,  and  were  met  by  a  brisk  fire  from  four  hundred  men. 
Far.  however,  from  shrinking,  the  Urunswickers  did  not  flinch, 
but  paid  them  back  with  interest,  ruder  their  brave  leader^ 
Captain  Van  Oeyso.  they  advanced  upon  the  enemy  with  fi.xed 
bayonets  and  to  the  sound  of  music,  fn  twelve  minutes  they 
had  beaten  tlieni  completely,  and  captured  twelve  pieces.  Cap- 
tain Schottelius,  at  the  head  of  the  grenadiers,  also  attacked 


116 


MA.IOll  (iK.\Klt.\L  IIIEDKSKL 


n-: 


V: 


tlu!  cnoiny  iit  tlic  siiniu  tiiiio,  when  scciiiir  tliat  thoy  woro  partly 
siirnmnflcd,  the  Ainoriciins  stoppod  (iulitin^r  iiml  ivtiTatcd. 
(iiMU'ral  I''i'asi'i'  ackiiowlodjicd  tliat  lie  wmild  have  boon  in  great 
dan<;er,  hud  it  nut  heen  for  lliedcsel's  timely  aid ;  for  if  reen- 
foreenieiits  had  not  arrivt'd  jnst  when  they  did,  the  whole  eorps 
Would  have  heen  surrounded  and  eut  ott'.  Those  of  the  Hruns- 
wickers  who  had  followed,  also  hastened  their  niareh  and  arrived 
upon  the  same  eminence  just  as  the  firing  eea.scd. 

The  AnitM'iean  forees  on  this  occasion,  consisted  of  four  regi- 
ments commanded  hy  IJrigadicr  Francis.  He  fell,  pierced  hy 
a  German  bullet,  while  leading  the  third  attack  on  the  left 
wing,  and  was  buried  by  the  IJrunswick  troops.  This  corps  of 
l"'rancis  formed  the  rear  guard  of  the  American  army  in  its 
retreat  from  l-'ort  Carillon. 

.V  few  days  after  this  event.  Hiedcsel  wrote  to  Duke  Ferdi- 
nand in  relation  to  this  engagement,  as  follows  : 

''Skinsbvuy,'  ./(////  11,  1777. 

"  Monseigneur :  So  tired  that  I  can  scarcely  move,  I  send  your 
excellency  these  few  lines.  In  order  to  inform  you  of  the  great 
success  which  has  attended  our  arms  since  July  the  1st.  1  send 
your  excellency,  inclosed,  the  continuation  oi' my  journal. 

•'  The  great  courage  manifested  by  a  handful  of  German  troops 
in  the  engagement  near  IluVbertini.  and  the  good  services  they 
have  rendered  toward  the  successful  termination  of  that  action, 
will  certainly  plea.se  your  excellency ;  and  I  can  assure  you,  in 
all  sincerity,  that  this  occasion  has  given  a  good  uame  to  the 
Brunswick  troops  among  the  whole  of  the  army.  We  shall 
continue  our  march  from  here  to  Fort  .\nn  and  Fort  Kdward. 
It  is  said  that  the  enemy  will  raise  another  army  of  five  thou- 
sand men.  This  army,  however,  will  have  no  artillery^  as  all 
of  their  guns  are  in  our  hands.  It  is.  therefore,  to  he  supjiosed 
that  the  second  engagement  will  take  jilace  at,  or  in  the  vicinity 
of  Fort  F^dward,  I  recommend  myself  etc. 

•' RlKDK.SEl-." 

'  ProbaWy  Skccii»boroiiv;li. 


/.v  77//;  AM/-;j{iCA.v  iiKVoij-riax. 


117 


After  tliiH  cn<,'iigeiiicnt.  nenenil  Kii'doscl  po.stod  lii«  tn.ops  in 
the  Inlldwinj.-  iiiiinncr  :  IJnriuT'H  li-lif  infantry  wore  pliiccd  upon 
the  loft  win-i-  uf  tiic  Hiiulisli  i'or  tlio  support  of  the  yiii;ci's 
and  -rrenadiers.  Tlu-  battalion  of  gnMiadicrs  and  lii«  own  rcf.i- 
ment  woro  sent  to  the  I'ij^lit  of  the  Kuj-lish  winji  in  order  to 
f.niard  the  road  leadin.i;  to  Skoensborounh.  as  the  army  wore 
now  to  niareli  for  that  plaeo. 

^  While  these  events  were  taking;  place  upon  land.  Ceneral 
Burjioyne  was  pursuin--  the  enemy  uj.on  the  water.  In  a  lew 
hours  he  destroyed  the  moorings  near  Carillon,  on  which  the 
Americans  had  worked  several  months;  and.  l)y  a  few  well 
directed  cannon  shots,  he  broke  in  two  the  collossal  ehain  upon 
which  so  many  hopes  had  been  hung. 

On  the  evening  of  the  Oth  of  July,  he  encountered  the  ships 
of  the  enemy  near  Skeensborough,  and  destroyt'd  them  after  a 
short  engagement.  Three  of  these  the  enemy  burned,  and  two 
were  captured.  The  fort  at  that  place  was  then  evacuated  by 
the  rebels,  who  retreated  to  Fort  Anne.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Hill  with  a  detachment  was  tliereupon  sent  by  IJurgoyne.  to  take 
this  fort,  but  finding  it  too  strongly  fortified,  and  occuj>ied  by 
an  American  corps,  he  did  not  succeed.  On  the  morning  of 
the  8th.  he  was  attacked  by  a  sujjerior  force  of  Americans,  and, 
after  a  long  fight,  was  forced  to  retreat.  In  this  engagement, 
both  sides  suffered  considerable  loss. 

A  great  (juantity  of  provisions,  ammunition  and  other  war 
material  were  found  at  Skeensborough.  The  army  encamped 
there  on  the  following  day. 

The  corps  both  of  Fraserandof  Uiedesel  having  had  no  provi- 
sions for  four  days,  and  being  unable  to  obtain  any  from  their 
ships  it  was  agreed  that  Eiedesel  should  march  to  Skeensborough, 
ami  Fraser  should  remain  where  he  was  until  further  orders 
iiad  been  received  from  |}ury;oyne  in  relation  to  the  disposition 
of  the  wounded.  At  noon  of  the  8tli  of  July,  the  JJrunswickers 
accordingly  marclujd  to  Skeensborough.  Hitherto  the  first 
German  brigade  had  been  with  (Jeneral  Hurgi.yne.     The  left 


#41 


lis 


M.UOrt  (iESETlM.  niEDKsKL 


wing  ciieiiiii])i;(l  mi  tlic  left  l)iink  (if  Wmid  iTi^ck.  iiiul  the  rlf^lit, 
on  the  rijrlit  l);ink. 

On  tlic  !>tli.  ( Jcncnil  l-'nisci-  iirrivcd  in  tlio  ciiniii  and  took 
liis  piisitiitn  on  tin'  riiilit  winj;.  On  tlii"  lOtli.  (leneral  Itiedosd 
rect'ivod  orders  to  niiircli  witli  liis  corji.s.  'I'lu-  first  1)ri<iiide  was 
to  encamp  on  tlie  Castletown  river,  l-'roni  here  patnds  were  to 
be  sent  into  the  enemy's  eonntry  to  encourage  tlie  loyal  Ameri- 
cans to  take  up  arms  on  the  side  of  the  king. 

On  the  loth.  General  liurgnyno  issued  the  following  order  : 


'4^ 


Order  from  ITkad  quarters,  July  IOtii,  1777. 

•The  rebels  evacuated  Fort  Ticonderoga  on  the  6th,  having 
been  forced  into  this  measure  by  the  presence  of  our  army.  On 
one  side  of  the  lake  they  ran  as  I'ar  as  Skeensborongh  :  on  the 
other  side  as  far  as  lluliberton.  They  left  behind  all  their 
artillery,  provisions  and  baggage. 

•■  Brigadier  Tra.ser.  with  one-half  of  his  brigade  and  witliout 
artillery,  met  two  thousand  rebels  strongly  fortified  ;  attacked 
and  drove  tliem  from  their  position.  The  latter  lost  many  of  their 
ofheers.  Two  hundred  were  killed,  more  wounded,  and  three 
hundred  captured.  Major  (ientn'al  Von  liiedesel.  with  his 
advanced  guard,  consisting  of  tin;  company  of  yagers  (eighty 
men),  light  infantry  and  grenadiers,  came  up  in  time  to  support 
IJrigadier  Traser  ;  and  b}'  his  judicious  orders,  and  the  bravery 
with  which  they  were  executed,  he,  as  well  as  his  troops,  shared 
in  the  honor  of  the  victory. 

"On  the  8th.  Ijientenant  Colonel  Hill  was  attacked  by  the 
rebels  at  Fort  Anne,  and  notwithstanding  he  was  outnumbered 
six  to  one.  he  dnive  them  off  with  great  loss  after  a  contest  of 
three  hours.  In  conse((uence  of  this  affair,  the  rebels  evacuated 
Fort  Anne  after  setting  it  on  fire.  \  detachment  of  our,  army 
luiw  occupies  it.' 

"  The  rajiid  progress  of  our  arms  —  for  which  we  cannot  suffi- 
ciently thank   (!od — gives  great  honor  to  our  troops.     The 


4 
* 


'  The  garrison  consisted  of  one  captain,  one  Iiunilrod  men  and  two  cannons. 


i 


/.V  THE  ASfKIUlAX  UKVOUTKiX. 


II!) 


GRKATKST  PRAiSK  is  diio  (Joiicriil  Voii  Kiede.sol  and  Hrifimlier 
Fruser,  wlin  ),y  tlieir  bravery,  .suiiportt-d  by  oftii-crs  and  soldiorH, 
have  rondcrcd  the  f-rcatesf  service  to  tlio  kiiij-'. 

■•  Tlic  bi'jhost  bi.iK.r  is  due  to  tiie  tnH.psi'n.iii  tiie  fact  that  in 
spite  „f  tiie  many  fatifiues  they  liavo  underjioiie  — tliron-h 
inclement  weatlier,  and  witliout  bread  —  tliey  have  never  shown 
tlie  least  insubordination.  _  Tmkhkkohk.  on  next  Sunday  there 
shall  be  divine  service  in  front  of  tiie  army  and  the  advance 
guard,  and  in  the  evening  at  sunset  there  shall    be  firing  of 

*";'" '  '""1  *^'"""  =»•"'«•     This  shall  also  be  done  at  Ticonderoga, 

Crown  pt.int.  the  camp  at  Skeenslmrough.  at  Castletown  amnn 
the  camp  of  (\donel  lireymann.  The  eonunan.ler  of  each 
regiment  shall,  himself,  read  this  order  to  his  regiment ;  and 
3Iajor  (ieneral  Von  JJiedese!  will  see  to  it  that  thrs  order' shall 
be  sent  to  the  detached  corps  of  the  left  wing.  IJrigadier 
Hamilton  will  send  it  to  Crown  point. 

"  BURdOVXK." 

All  the  news,  respecting  the  position  of  thecnoniy.  indicated 
that  they  were  in  the  vicinity  of  Fort  Edward,  under  (ieneral 
Schuyler. 

On  the  morning  of  the  12th.  General  Riedesel  started  with 
tlie  corps  of  IJreymann  and  the  infantry  regiment  IJie.lesel.  'I"he 
troops  were  embarked  and  sailed  through  South  bay  and  East 
creek  as  far  as  the  latter  was  navigable.  They  then  wcnt'on 
shore  at  the  landing  place,  where  the  Hesse  Itanau  rejiiment, 
which  had  preceded  them,  was  already  encamped.  The  cwps 
(if  ]}ivyinaiin  continued  its  march  on  land  as  far  as  the  sawmill 
near  Castletown,  where  it  bivouacked  for  the  uij-ht.  The  next 
day  it  marched  to  Castletown,  the  regiment  Itiedesel  remaining 
until  the  day  after,  when  it  marched  to  the  camp  of  JJri-adicT 
Speeht.  This  march  was  attended  with  extraordinaiyr  .liffi. 
cutties.  It  was  impossible  to  procure  horses;  conseciuently  all 
the  tents  and  baggage  had  to  be  carried  by  the  soldicr.s  on 
their  backs  over  a  shockingly  bad  road.     This  tramp  ia.sted  for 


120 


MA.rOll  (lh:\h:it.\L  niKUKSKh 


five  liours.  imd  was  jiai'tly  tlic  occiisinii  nt'  the  l)rij;!i(li'  nf  Sjicclit 
liaviiifi'  tn  jiiiss  tour,  ami  tlic  otlitT  rc^iiiiiciits  tlircc,  days  in  \\\i' 
wimmIs.  witlioiit  touts.  On  liisarrival  af  11  A.  M.  in  tlu'  caniii  of 
]Jrijj,a(li<'r  Spcflit.  (leiicra!  IJictlesel  Hi-nt  <iut  a  Jtarty  of  tni(p|w 
til  ('(illcct  wapiiis  anil  liorsi's.  wliicli  wcri'  tn  be  cnijilnvi'il  in 
transjinrtinji  the  liaji'f;a<je  andnthor  army  jsnjiplios.  In  addition, 
also,  to  the  above  grievances  ii  <treat  man}-  of  tlic  troops  in 
camp,  especially  of  the  re}?inients  of  Spccht  and  Khetz.  were 
sntlerinj;'  iVom  dysenterj'. 

On  the  14th,  Hiedesel  in.spected  the  camp  of  Specht  and 
Breyniann.  and  nnide  a  few  alterations  here  and  there  in  the 
distribution  of  the  out  posts.  Foreseein<i,  also,  that  dnriiifr  the 
loiifi'  and  tiresome  marches,  which  the  army  would  have  to 
undiTfio.  the  lack  of  facilities  for  transportation  wmild  be  often 
felt,  Kiedesel  ordered,  that  all  officers  should  provide  themselves 
with  hor.Hcs  on  which  to  carry  their  own  personal  ecjuipajie  — 
tlie  latter  to  consist  of  as  few  articles  as  possible. 

On  the  15th,  (leneral  Hiedesel  was  ordered  to  Ticonderopi 
to  superintend  the  removal  of  the  ships  to  Lake  (Jeorgc.  Of 
the  two  rejiiments  yet  remaininii  ut  Ticondcrojia  —  the  l)2d 
Knf;lish  and  I'rince  Frederick's  —  one-half  of  each,  under  the 
command  of  Colonel  Amstruther,  and  .Major  \'on  lliller,  was  to 
cover  the  removal.  The  same  day  Kiedesel  received  intelli- 
licnce  that  a  corps  of  the  entiuiy  nund)erin<>-  between  four  and 
five  thousand  men,  under  Colonel  Warner,  was  near  Manches- 
ter. It  was  also  reported  that  the  latter  was  using  his  utmost 
exertions  to  rally  the  militia  in  the  vicinity,  and  thus  strengthen 
his  own  corjis.  Owing,  however,  to  the  fact  that  Coh.inel 
t^kene,  the  governor  of  the  province,'  was  desirous  of  having 
him  accompany  him  to  Castletown  to  aid  in  making  a  list  of  all 
the  loyal  inhabitants,  he  could  do  nothing  for  the  present. against 
Warner. 


'  ThiK  ColDiiel  Skuiio  was  royal  siovonior  of  I'rowii  point.  Tk'Diideroga  anil  those 
township!'  and  I'oiti'  In  Xi'w  York  and  New  IlanipKliiri"  which  hordcri'd  on  Lakes 
Chauiplain  uud  (juorguand  the  Hudson  river.—  Xult  to  the  German  ulition. 


/.V  TIIK  AMUIIIC.W  IlKVol.rriOX. 


121 


About  tour  liundri'd  iiiliaMtimts  t'nun  diH'i'ii'iit  towiislii|)S 
came  into  CiiMtlctowii  iind  took  tlic  oath  of  :illcj;iiinc((  in  duo 
form,  eiicli  ono  ri-ocivinj;  ii  ctM'tiHcatc  to  that  cfl'fct.  A  hir^o 
number  ot'tlicMC  people  wero  not  in  earnost  iji  takinj;  tliis  oatli. 
They  liad  only  come  tliat  they  mi^rht  find  out  tlie  nanu's  of  tliowe 
wlio  were  truly  loyal  and  afterwards  betray  them,  'i'hey  went, 
therefore,  immediately  back   to  their  eomrailes  ami   told   them 

all  they  had  seen  and  iieard.     No  s( er   Imd  ('dhmtd  Warner 

lieard  tlie  report  of  these  si)ies.  tlian  lie  at  onee  advaneed. 
plundered  the  loyalists,  took  away  their  cattle,  ami  even  e.irried 
off  the  men  themselves.  Hiede.sel.  wiio  had  ]iriimised  to  ]iroteet 
them,  immediately  dispatehed  Captain  Willoe  to  lu'ad  ijuarters 
as  the  bearer  of  a  plan  to  IJurgoyne.  in  whieh  he  proposed  to 
attaek  the  traitors  at  onee,  and  take  from  them  what  eattle  and 
vehicles  mijiht  be  neees.sary  for  the  u.se  of  his  troojis. 

The  Kuglish  j;eueral  had  no  objections  to  the  phm  ;  still  lie 
would  not  consent  to  its  execution,  pretending-  that  he  intended 
soon  to  make  a  move  with  his  whole  army.  Hut  althoujih  the 
German  general's  hands  were  thus  tied,  lie  determined  at  least  to 
make  any  futureoperatiiuisof  the  enemy  ditlieult.  lie,  therefore, 
sent  a  detachment  of  seventy  men  to  Tinmouth,  and  another  to 
Wells  — riding'  himself  toward  Rutland  and  Wells  for  the  purpose 
of  reconiioiterinj;-.  The  deta(;hment  sent  to  AVeJls  returned  on 
the  evening  of  the  l!)th,  and  reported  that  Colonel  Warner  had 
returned  to  Manchester,  and  that  those  of  the  inhabitants  who 
had  fallen  under  suspicion  of  disloyalty,  had  left  their  houses, 
taking  their  furnitun;  and  most  of  their  stock  with  them. 
Nevertheless  the  detacliment  brought  in  a  few  heads  of  eattle 
and  carts  with  the  teams  belonging  to  them. 

The  day  previou.-;.  the  two  parti.sans.  St.  Luke  and  ].iancelot. 
arrived  at  head  (juarters  with  one  thousaml  Indians  and  S(une 
Canadian  volunteers.  On  the  same  day.  Kiedesel  learned  that 
the  h)ng  expected  ship,  having  on  board  recruits  from  Kiirope, 
had  arrived  at  Three  Rivers.  (Jencral  Phillips,  also,  returned 
the  same  day  from  Tieonderoga. 
10 


%-*, 


I: 


MA.Kiii  (/h:.\i:ii.\L  iiii-:in-:st:L 


(Ml  tliii  2(ltli.  till-  (itliiT  (li'tiiclinii'iit   returned,  liuviiij.'  liccii 
litliiii   II  mile  mill  ii  Imlf  ol'  Ciiliincl   WiiniiT 


S    tNUIIp. 


lii'iiiiilif   with    tlii'iii    I'ciiir  iiriHoiK-r.s.  and   iilimit   nixty  lii'iid  of 
Ciiliiiicl  Wiinii'i'  \v;is  .Mil  aliiriiicd  ,it  tin-  siiddfii  iiji|icar- 


iltli 


HUM'  of'  this  (Ictiii'liiiii'iit.  tluil  liL'  iiiiiiiudiately  isvacuati'd  AFaii- 


fhcstiT.  and  rctrcatfd  tn  Arlinyt 


(in. 


On  thf  21st.  (Icniiral   Hurjiiiyno  wont  on   a   iTcnnnnitorinj^ 


i'X|itMlitiun   h_v   wa.y  nf    Kurts    \\\\w   and    Kdwai'd 


in   nrder  to 


ascertain  tlic 


]IIISlt 


lull   (I 


r  th 


ii'iiiy  III  that  vicinity. 


II 


f  wrote 


to( 


ii'iicri 


llic.h 


direction  of  tli 


to  move  in  a  I'cw  days  witii  liis  ariny  in  tlio 
that  lio  niiji'lit  expect 


irt.-< 


telli 


mil,  aLsii. 


imn'c  iiarticuhir  dircctiiiiiH  from  liinion  his  (  Hiirpiyno's)  arrival 
at  Fort  Anne.      Hiedcsei  was  at  this  tii 


iiie  siirteniij:'  severely  ironi 
an  nh-erated  tooth  and  a  rauiii'i  lever.      Hut.  althon-;h  eonliiied 


ti 


nil.  I 


le  was  not  idle.      He 


aiiioim'  the  difl'erent  re 


ipliortioned  the  new  recruits 
fiinieiits,  in  order  that  there  might  be  no 
eoPinsii)ii  when  they  should  arrive;  for  at  present  they  were  to 
remain  in  Canada  until  they  had  learned  the  drill.  The  recruits 
were  apjiortioiied  as  follows  : 


Me 


To  the  re"iinent  of  Itratioons, 


riiice 


r 

lihetz, 

Hiedcsel. 

Specht, 

Marner, 


Fred 


erici 


•AMI 
32 

:j5 


Total. 


•>•}•> 


The  grenadier  hattaliim  of  Uniyniann  received  men  fni.)  the 
other  regiments  as  follows  : 

Men. 
From  the  regiment  Prince  Frederick.       ...  6 

Hhetz. 5 

''        "  "         Uiedesel, 9 

"        "  "         Specht,  .         .         .      •  .         .    5   " 


/.v  riih:  .\Mh:iti(  .\\  ///■:yii/.i  rro.x. 


I2:i 


Til  piirsiuiiicc  n|'  nil  imlcf  I'lniii  tin-  ■Inkc.  iIkisc  iim'Ii.  (iiily, 
wli.i  liiid  iilrciiily  scnc.l  niic  yt'iir  iiiid  ii  hiiH'  iiiiil  liail  ii  ciTtiiin 
lii'i;:lit.  wcic  to  lie  (iiki'ii  fur  tliin  luittiilidii, 

Tlic  nnlcr  nil  thin  siiliji'ct,  \vu\vv  diiti,'  of  .Inly  l!lili,  snys  tlmt 
'•  iiii'ii  must  ]h'  si'lcctcil  who  life  th.irdiiulily  rcli;ilili',  iiiiil  (if  such 

Hh-ciij:tli  iiimI  ,i|i]»'iir;iiM'f  ns  will  .iiiswci'  ti.r  j^n' licrs."      Iticd- 

cscl  issiu'il  strict  unicrs  in  rccunl  U>  tlic  cnmluct  dl'  tlic  tnH.|).- 
tn'viinl  the  iiihiihitiiiits  iiiid  their  i)rn|icrty.  Iiiiismuch,  nlso,  iih 
tiicrc  were  II  liiruc  iiuiidicr  cd' idyiil  iiihid.it.iiits, scattered  ihniii^rli 
llic  cduntry.  wim  were  nfteii  tiikeii  Inr  rcliels.  the  strictest  onh'i'M 
had  to  he  issued  lest  the  snldiers  sliiiuld  treat  them  assiudi.  In 
line  iif'tiiese  orders,  iiiuh-r  (hite  id"  July  22,  the  rulinwiiij:'  passa^^c 
iicciirs  ;  ••  Mreakiii;;'  iiitii  Imuses.  idiinderiiiji' and  niiuihir  excesses 
will   he  i.uiiished;   if  the  (irst  (ifl'eiise,  liy  whiii)iiii,i;,  and,  if  tlio 

''^'i il.hyrunninji'  the -auntlet."     And  at  the  end  id' this  order, 

of'whitdi  the  colnnel  of  eacdi  rejiinient  received  a  copy,  it  further 
siiys:  '•  Tn  order  to  avoid  all  iiiisuiider,standin<i'  respectin;^  tlio 
trentment  of  the  iiihahitants  hy  those  di'taidiineiits  that  are  sent 
out  from  time  to  time,  and  to  avoid  all  iiiaraudin-,  this  order  i.s  , 
fiiveii  to  yiiu.  Voii  will  he  ahle  to  Jiidfre  hest  wluit  is  le<;itiinate 
booty,  and  whether  or  not  it  can  be  allowed  to  the  soldier." 

At  noon  of  the  2tth,  IJicdesel  received  orders  to  marcdi  with 
the  left  will-,'  to  Skeenshorou,uh  ;  hut  the  soldiers,  hein^'  at  that 
moment  in  the  act  of  cookiiiii'  their  dinner,  he  allowi^d  them 
first  to  finish  it.  I'poii  the  reception  of  the  orders,  however, 
he  .sent  a  mcssai-e  to  the  battalion  of  ■■reiiadiers  and  tin;  bri- 
,nade  of  Specht.  tellin;.-  them  to  start  for  the  hindint:'  place,  and 
be  ready  for  emiiarkation  the  following'  day.  The  rejiinicnt 
Ilaiiau.  which  bad  remained  up  to  this  time  at  the  latter  plaee 
for  the  protection  of  the  ship.s  and  ba,u<riif;e,  also  received  orders 
to  embark,  and  arrived  at  the  appointed  time  at  Skeensborough. 
AVhen  the  German  troops  roaelied  there  on  the  2i)th.  the  ri",'ht 
winjr  of  the  army,  under  General  Phillips,  had  already  started 
and  was  encamped  near  Gordon's  liou.se.  (ieneral  l-'raser  .started 
as  early  ns  tlie  22d  for  this  place,  his  departure  being  hastened 


:m 


m 


124 


M.Udii  (:km:ii.\l  /!//■:/ 1 f:sf;r. 


]>y  iiiti'llijiO!iO(^  tliat  tlio  Anii'rii'iiiis  liinl  cviicuMttMl  Fovt  Kthvard 
(111  tlic  21st.  Ill',  tluirotni'i'.  Iiusli'iu'il  nil  ill  iidvaiico  to  (icciipy 
it.  .\t  Ske('iisl)iir(iiii;li.  Uicilcscl  iiit't  Miii-uhvik^  and  htdd  a 
eoiisiiltatiiiii  witli  liiiii  in  rcuardtn  tlu'  advance  nl'tlie  army. 

Oroat  disciiuraucnii'iit  iiiii,'<t  liavc  ])rovaiicd  at  tliistinic  in  tin? 
army  id'  (IciiiM'al  Sclinylcr ;  lor  many  doKorters  miw  canic  into 

ran  away  to  their  homes,      .^^any 
lese  naturally 


ith' 


the  l']iii:iisli  army,  while  otni 
had  lieeii    liirced  i.ito  the  .\ii 


lerican  rant 


d   tl 


took  the  tiist  (i])jiiH'tiiiiity  to  eseaiie. 

On   the  2(ith.  Kiede.scl  sent  hack  the   vessels  to  'rieonderona 
with  the  sick  and  sniiertlnoiis  bajiiiaue.     The  sick  were  to  re- 


in the  h 


ital  at  that  ]il 


d  thi^  shijis  and  hajiffago 


were  to  be  ti'aiis|iiirted  liy  ( 'anadiaiis  to  Lake  ( 
to  l''ort  I'ldward  on  the  II  iidsoii  river.      Tl 


■  eoriie.  and  theiiee 


lose  liriinswic 


ko« 


leers, 


who  were  de]iiited  to  hrinu'  hack  IVom  Canada  the  new  reeruits, 
also  returned  on  thest'  vessels. 

As  it  was  iiiipossilile  for  teams  to  make  any  progress  on  the 


road   from  Skeeiislioi'oiii;li   to   p'ort    .Viine.   two 


Kn-l 


isli    vessels 


ith   the  h 


W(M-e 
fort. 


iiid  tlienee  t(i  l''ort  .\ 


lii'e  and  sent  up  Wood  creek   to  that 


The  troops  niandied  on  that  day  as  far  as  (lordon's  liiui.se,, 
me.     .Vii  l''.n;;lish  detachment,  under  .^laior 


Irviiii;-.   and  til'lv  (ieriiians.  remained  at    Skeeiislioroimh  fin'  th 


piii'p' 


d' tiiciiitatini;  the  tiMiisportatimi  on  Wood 


creel 


(Jeiieral  l-'raser,  upon  arrivinj;in  the  vicinity  oi'  l'\irt  Ivlward, 


found  that  the  report  oY  the  .\meri(' 
place  was  niifoiiiided.      They  were  slill  in  | 


haviiii;'  evacuated  that 
11  issessii  Ml .  I  nit  ret  reat  ed 


on  the  a]ppearance  o 


f  the  Knulish.     Tlu-    Indians  who   were  ii 


iilvance.  wei 


it  within  cannon  shot  of  the  iiu't.  wli 


leii  a  severe,  lint 
ictl'cctual  lirini;'  took  iilace.      Tliev  returned,  liriuiiinii'  with  them 


isoners  nnsca 


(Jeiieral    U'lrjioyiie  estalilislied  his 
head  (inarters  at    l''ort    Kdward  on  the  IMst  of  .Inly,     (leiieral 


iu'ht  pr 


Ipcd. 


I!ie(lcsel.  who  also  went   ll 


th 


me  dav.'  descrilies  the 


'  (ii'iicml  liirilcsi'l  wiis  in  l'ii'hI  iliiiiu'i'i'i>l'liciiiL'  ciipmri'il  llii"  day,  liul  I'lirttiiialcly 
esenped.    A  piiliol  ut  the  cnrniy  I'lidoavdrcd  hi  way-lay  liiin  in  llio  woods,  but  just 


/.V  rilK  AMKinVAS  JiKYOLVTlUS. 


125 


j)(isiti(Pii  of  tlu!  Aiiu.'ric;ii;s  as  a  very  advantagcnns  one.  .Mcan- 
wliili'.  (u'liora'  I'liillijis  —  liavinu'  aci'oinplislied  tho  removal  of 
ilu!  stores  and  artillery  from  Tieondero^a  —  had  arrived  at  l''ort 
(!eorfj;e.  anil  was  busily  engaged  iu  building  a  road  from  that 
fort  to  l-'ort  Ivlward. 

The  Amerieans.  who  had  in  the  meantime  retreated  as  far  as 
Sehuyler's  island,  left  there  on  this  day  (tlie  :51st )  and  retreated 
to  JIalf  Moon, I  twelve  miles  this  si<le  of  .\lbany.  They  were 
led  by  (ieneral  Arnold,  the  one  who  had  lost  the  engagement 
on  Lake  Chamidain.  He  sujierseded  (ieneral  Sehnyler,  who 
liad  been  sumnKHied  to  a]i]iear  i)efore  congress.  It  was  believed 
that  (rcneral  Arnold  would  unite  with  (ieneral  Washington,  who 
Wiis  then  at  the  highlands,  and  that  this  movement  would  l)i'  the 
last  effort  oi'  the  rebels,  who  were  already  looked  upon  as  lost. 
It  was.  therefore,  determined  that  as  soon  as  the  vessels  should 
arrive,  a'l  1  the  detaehment  -'  return,  the  mareli  of  annihilation 
slioidd  be  eontinued  southward. 

On  tlu^  1st  day  of  .\ngust.  ( i(>ncral  liiedesel  e(>]eln'atcd  the 
birthday  of  his  sovereign  at  l''ort  Anne,  with  as  mueli  eereniony 
as  eireumstimees  would  pi'rniit. 

By  the  i5d  of  .Vugust,  a  suflieiiuit  number  of  teams  liad  been 
colleeted  to  enable  a  few  regiments  to  liegin  the  march.  The 
battalion  of  grenadiers  started  first,  and  encamped  near  l''ort 
Edward  to  the  left  of  the  corps  of  {''rasci'.  The  regiments 
Specht  and  Hiedesel  left  ]''(M-t  .\nne  on  the  4th;  and  the  same 
day.  the  regiment  !{hetz  was  ordered  to  marel;  ;  the  iiitseh- 
field  plains  between  h'lU't  Ivlward  and  '  -t  }  ■  le.  and  relieve 
the  21st  Hnglish  regiment.  On  tiie  ^.;;i-,'  (hy,  .-.n  oi'icial  dis- 
liatcli  was  received  from  (ioiiensi  M  ■,'  in  which  he  communi- 
cated several  things  of  important  \  to  deni  ral  Hurgoyne.  The 
latter,  however,  kept  tlm  news  so  socm   thitt  nothing  could  be 


as  they  woro  ini  llio  piiiiil  iil  lU'cDinplisliini;  \\,n\-  iliji'd,  i\  pii'ty  ol'  Iiicliiii.s   ~  .Osi) 
oul  oil  a  Hcoiil  —  suddriily  iiiadi'  llici'  iippi-iiniiici',  iDiTin;,'  the  rrlicis  to  retri-al. 

'  Tlu'  prcsciit  iDwn  offrcwi'iit  in  Saral<ii;a  coiiiily. 

'J  I.  e.,  till'  (1111!  Ilml  had  been  left  at  Sskceiislioroiigli,  Wliilfhall, 


-■    ^ 


12G 


MA.JOn  fiKXKn.\L  niEDESKL 


Icarncfl  except  tlnit  Howe  was  dose  to  (ieiiernl  Wasliinjiton  who 
(icciijiicd  a  fortified  ]positi(iii  in  tlie  1ii,i:liiaii(ls.  It  was  therefiiro 
sii])|piise(l  tliat  a  i;c!i(!ral  enuaiiciiieiit  lii'twei'ii  the  two  armies 
wniild  .sddii  tMl<<'  ]ila('e.  The  news  of  tlie  n  treat  of  the  Ameri- 
cans from  SaratoLia  to  Stillwater  was  also  received  at  tliis  time 
Nor  were  the  Indians  idle.  They  attacked  a  detacliment  of  the 
on(!my.  killed  twenty,  and  cajittired  ten  men. 

Several  desertions  having'  occurred  in  the  Knulish  army, 
Bnr^oyne  ordered  the  Indians  to  jiursue  and  scalp  all  that 
they  should  capture. 

On  the  !tth.  IJriuadier  Powell  was  ordered  to  take  with  him 
th(^  r)!!d  R(  jiment  and  relievo  Uri^adier  Hamilton  at  Ticonde- 
roiia  :  at  the  same  time  the  G'id  was  ordered  to  rejoin  the  army. 
The  company  (d'  Canadian  militia,  under  IJoucherville.  was  to 
remain  for  the  present  at  Fort  (!eorj;e.  The  regiment  I'rince 
Frederick  was  still  stationed  at  Ticonderojia. 

On  the  same  day.  Kraser.  with  his  advance  corps,  started 
aiiain  and  en(;ani])ed  near  l'"ort  .Miller,  seven  miles  from  l-'ort 
Edward,  liieuti^nant  Cidoiiel  Maum  followed  with  the  dragoon 
regiment,  with  whiidi  soon  afterward  were  incorporated  the 
Brunswick  regiment  of  liglit  infantry,  a  detaclinient  of  Canadian 
volunteers  and  two  cannons.  Altogether  they  nundiered  five 
hundred  men.  AN'ith  this  force  he  was  to  go  on  an  expedition 
in  th(!  direction  of  the  Connecticut  river.  The  ohject  of  this 
ex]K'dition  was  ])ecidiar.  namely,  to  procure  good  horses  from 
the  iidialiitauts.  on  whiidi  to  mount  the  dragoons.  Hesidcs  this, 
it  was  hoped   that  thirteen  hundred  additional   horses  ecudd  bo 


)bt;i 


tl 


iinetl  troni   tlie  sanu'  source 


to  be  used  in   transjiorting  tlie 
baiiuau'e.     Connecticut,  new  at  tliat  time,  was  one  of  the  most 


flcuirish 


state; 


in   North  America,  and  made  a  sneeial  busi- 


ness o 


f  breediiin'  excellent  cattle  and  liorse> 


On  the  Kith.  Uiedesel 


•ecei 


ved  authentic  news  fi 


'om  ^iciiera 


llowi 


arniv. 


'di 


to     till 


itellitienci;   received,  that 


>neral  had  rallied  his  troops  in  June  near   l''ort  Knypli: 


iiseii. 


itedtl 


le  in'ovince  o 


f  .lersev.  and  sent  Clinton  with 


I  strong 


/.v  TiiK  A.UK/ncA.y  i!h:yoi.rTiox. 


127 


adviiiice  .truiird  towtird  the  ]ii<-hlaiKls.  wlu'rc  Wiishin<:t(i!i  wan 
ciicaiiiped.  He  had  also  scut  a  tew  frigates  iij)  tlie  Iliidsdii  for 
the  ])iii-jMise  of  iiiakinji  the  enemy  believe  that  lie  was  ineditatiiiir 
an  attaek  at  that  point,  (ieneral  Washirijitoii.  helieviiiu'  this, 
went  into  a  fortified  cani]i.  As  soon  as  Howe  heard  of  tho 
sueeess  of  his  ruse,  lie  -threw  of*'  all  disj;uise.  emharked  his  army 
under  a  favorable  wind,  and  entered  ilic  Dejawar"  river.  Wash- 
in<;toii  did  not  K-arn  of  this  movement  until  a  week  after,  when 
he  at  once  evacuated  his  fortified  jiositioii.  and  leaviiii:-  I'ntnam 
in  the  hijihlands  to  watch  Clinton,  retreated  into  l*ennsylvania 
with  the  intention  of  ju'cveiitiiiii-  the  further  advance  of  Howe. 
Meanwhile,  four  Hntilish  fripites  atteinjited  to  .sail  uj)  tlie  narrow 
pas.sage  of  the  Hudson  througli  the  highlands  and  rcacli  Albany. 
At  the  same  time.  Howe  detached  another  body  of  troops  up 
the  Connecticut  river  with  ordc-s  to  advance  as  far  as  Spriiii;-- 
ficld,  and  then  march  parallel  with  the  Canadian  army,  provided 
the  latter  had  reached  Albany. 


In  the  meantime.  Genera!  nurgoyne  resolved  to  capture  the 
magazine  at  I5eniiington.  The  conduct  of  this  expedition  was 
intru.sted  to  Colonel  15aum.  who  vvas  ordered  not  to  march  by 
way  of  .M:r  'i  -ter.  as  In.d  leen  at  first  considered  advisal)le. 
but  direct  to  '.cue  ,_ton.  (icne-.al  Jtiedcsel  took  the  liberty 
of  calling  attention  i..  die  dangers  connected  with  this  under- 
taking, j! 'i'liii  "in  being  at  too  great  a  distance,  and  the 
enemy  ;,,o  ne.  -  i  Jhit  the  English  commander  was  not  a  man 
to  be  dissuaded  In  ,iny  iiie  from  any  project  he  had  determined 
up(Ui.  tieneral  liiedesel.  therefore,  si'cing  that  IJurgoyne's 
purpose  could  not  be  changed,  did  his  best  to  luvpare  the  de- 
tachment for  the  march  as  (piickly  as  i)ossible.  They  were 
rcndezv(ui.sed  at  Fort  Miller;  and  brigadier  Fi-a.-er  being 
unable  to  furnish  his(|nota  of  men.  (ieneral  Hicih'sei  completed 
it  by  detaching  (Uie  hundred  men  from  the  corps  of  l{reymann. 


V'^    : 


128 


MA.lOn  G]-:\E]IAL  JtlEDKsHL 


As  the  nidtiviis  of  this   unsiicccssi'iil  cxix'ditinn  have  ln'cn 
descriliud  by  the  historiiiiis  nt'tlic  Nnrtli  Aiiu'rican  war  in  siicli 


a   e(iiitra(li<'tiirj  inanner.  we  take  the  lil)erty  "f  jiivii 


til 


rlxil! 


IS  we  liiid  tlifiii  ill   (ieiieral    lliedesei's   iduriial.      He 


••  liieiiteiiaiit    Ciiloiiel    Hauin    marched  t(i-day   (lltli),    I'roiii 
Fort   -Milh'r  to   the   l^ittenkill.     (Jeneral  liiirji,(ijne  rode  up  to 


him  t(i  {^ive  him  f'urtiier  iiistnii-tidii 
received  iiitcUiyeiice  tliat  thei 


As  til 


e  saiu  jiciier 


as  a  iiiayaziiie  (it  ediisicieia 


il  had 

iihle 


importance 


at    ] 


Jeiiniii'Ttoii    de 


•!y  by  a  small   body  of 


militia,  he  eoiiiiterinaiided  the  iiis*^v     iions  he  had  previously 


iveii  Haum.  and  ordered  him.  instead 


irchin^i-  to  Maiiches- 


tcsr  and  thence  to  Beiiniiiutoii.  to  take  the  direct  road,  attack 
the  enemy  and  capture  the  niaiiazine.  (ieiieral  i5in\uoyiie 
informed  (ieiieral  lliedesel.  upon  the  hitter's  return  from  Fort 
(ieorfie,  of  the  alteration  in  his  plan  resjieetini:'   the  expediti 


on 


der  Lieutenant  Colonel  IJaum.     General    Hiedesel  ex 


pr. 


his  I'ear  and  astoiiislimeiit   in  reuard  to  the  danticr  atti'iidiiit 


(Jeneral  Huriidyne.  however,  considered  the  cliaii 


the 


plan  necessary  for  the  followiii<;  reasons:  1st.  It  would  be  of 
fircat  advautaire  to  the  army  to  pitlier  their  subsistence  from 
the  captiireil  magazine  of  tlii^  enemy,  until  sii[)]ilies  could  be 
transported  to  the  army  sutlicient  to  last  for  four  weeks.  2d. 
In  case  he  should  move  with  his  whole  army  ai^ainst  the  enemy 
near  Stillwater.  (Ieiieral   .Vrnold  would   not  be  able  to  send  a 


strong 
iiitelliueuce 


force  aiiaiust  Colonel  Hi 


lum. 


:5d.  That  he  had  r 


eceive( 


that  Colonel  St.  i/ei;er  was  besiefjing  Fort  Stanwix, 
and  that  .\riiold  iiiteiideil  to  send  a  eoii-iiderablc  force  to  the 
relief  of  this  place;  therefore,  it  was  of  (he  greatest  importance 
that  a  detaehnieut  of  the  left  wing  should  make  a  move  and 
thus  intimidate  the  enemy,  and  prevent  him  from  sending  this 

t  St.    liCger.     'I'liesc   three    reasons   overruled   the 


force  again? 

representations  of  (ieiieral  Uiedesel." 

Heniiingtou  is  situated  lietween  the  two  arms  of  the  lloosick 
river,  about  twenty-four  miles  east  of  the   Hudson.     The  road 


/.V  TIIK  AMEIIICAX  IIKVOWTIOX. 


129 


thithor  was  voiy  bad,  and  led  tliroujih  dense  wotids.  A  myalist, 
who  knew  the  road,  and  offered  to  fiiiido  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Baum,  also  called  the  attention  of  JJurpijne  to  the  danjrers 
connected  with  thi.s  expedition,  and  stated  that  at  least  three 
thousand  men  were  nccessarj',  as  the  Americans  would  exert 
themselves  to  the  utmost  to  hold  their  position.  ]5ut  in  spite  of 
all  this,  it  was  destined  that  the  e.\pediti(ui  should  start. 

On  the  12th  of  August,  liieutenant  Colonel  ]Jaum  marched 
from  the  Battenkill  to  Cambridge,'  at  which  place  he  met  a 
detachment  of  the  enemy,  which  he  attacked  and  defeated, 
capturing  a  few  supplies  and  eight  pris(uiers.'- 

On  the  l.'Jth.  Baum  reported  to  Burgoyne  that  he  had  heard 
the  magazine  at  Bennington  was  defended  by  between  fifteen 
and  eighteen  hundred  militia  nu!n  ;  but,  on  account  of  their 
disaffection,  he  believed  they  would  evacuate  the  ftu't  upon 
his  appearance.  He  would,  therefore,  at  once  march  upon  the 
enemy,  (iuneral  Burgoyne,  very  much  pleased  with  his  report, 
immediately  consented,  with  the  understanding,  however,  that  he 
was  not  to  make  the  attack  until  he  had  thoroughly  ac([uainted 
himself  with  the  position  of  the  enemy.  In  order  to  make  the 
attack  successfully,  ]Jauni  determined  to  halt  four  miles  this 
side  of  Bennington,  and  carry  out  the  advice  of  his  commanding 
general.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hreymann  nuirohed  on  this  day 
from  Fort  Edward  to  Diuiart's  house;  while  Fraser,  who  was  to 
advance  as  far  as  Saratoga,  started  in  advance.  On  the  14th, 
the  army  began  to  advance  from  Douart's  house. 

At  six  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  l.jth.  (ieneral  Burgoyne 
received  a  report  fnun   Lieutenant   Colonel  Baum,  dated  the 


'  Tlio  proj'iMit  town  ofCmiibridgo  in  Wiishiiifjton  county,  N.  Y. 

'■'Sti'dn'im,  III  Ills  Ilixlori/fif  Itu-  American  UV;/',  part  1,  p.  117,  ^tiites  tlmt  l?aum 
captured  on  the  llri-t  day  an  .Xniorican  corps,  wliicli  was  n'lcascd  tlif  I'ollowiiii,'  day 
by  Colonel  Skciio,  under  tlio  iinprossion  thai  this  act  of  niai,'naniinity  would  iiiHu- 
eiice  till,'  rclcasod  Anu'ricans  to  tal<c  no  liinher  part  airaiiist  their  kinj;.  He  adds 
that  these  very  ones  l'oui;lit  the  hardest  aj,'ainst  the  Knglish  at  Benniii;,'ton.  Mo 
montlon,  however,  of  this  circiinistance  is  made  either  in  Uicdesel's  jourimis  or  in 
the  report  of  Baiiiu.— A«^e  in  oriijinal. 

17 


fev"* 


130 


MA.Wn  CESERAh  UIEDESEL 


1  till,  ill  wliicili  he  stated  tliiit  his  advance  guard,  (ui  its  march 
to  IJi'uiiiiiutdii,  had  \\w\\  attacked  by  a  corps  of  the  enemy  imm- 
beriiij^  about  seven  hundred  men,  but  after  a  few  cannon  shot 
had  been  fired  they  had  retreated.     lie  also  said  tiiat.   from 
))risoncrs  and  loyalists   lie  had  learned  that  a  body  of  eighteen 
hnndrod  men  wore  in  camp  lusir  Henningtijii.  favorably  situated 
and  fortified,  and  who  were  only  waiting  for  additional  reeii- 
forccmciits  to  meet  and  attack  him.     He,  therefore,  asked  for 
reenforcements.     Burgoyne  immediately  instructed  Ricdesel  to 
send  liieutenant  Colonel   IJreyniann  to  his  support.     IJiede.sel, 
who  was  much  troubled  in  regard  to  the  entire  movement,  asked 
and  obtained  permission  ot   1     rgoyne,  to  give  Ureyniann  a  few 
suggestions.     The  latter  set  out  at  once,  leaving  the  tents,  bag- 
gage and  superfluous  aininunitieu.     A  rain  that  had  fallen  for 
several   days,   made  the  ro„        wl.'   ..    .»'cre  already  mi.serable, 
even  wor.se ;  and  this  circumstance,  added  to  the  lack  of  horses 
for  the   transportation   of  artillery,   forced   Kreyniann.  after  a 
short  march,  to  bivouac  seven  miles  this  side  of  Cambridge. 
He,  therefore,  dispatched  a  few  men  to  IJaum  to  notify  him  of 
his  advance.     The  latter  had  been  again  attacked  on  this  same 
day,  but  was  able  to  repulse  the  enemy  with  his  artillery;  and 
having  confidence  in  his  position,  and  expecting  speedy  reen- 
forcements. he  resolved  to  stand  liis  ground.     Toward   nine 
o'clock,  on  the  morning  of  the  Itith.  small  bodies  of  armed  men 
made  their  appearance  from   diflerent   directions.     These  men 
were  mostly  in  their  shirt  sleeves.     They  did  not  act  as  if  they 
intended  to  niaki;  an  attack  ;  and  Hauni,  being  told  by  the  pro- 
vincial, who  had  joined  his  army  on  the  lino  of  march,  that 
th(!y  wore  all  loyalists  and  would  make  coniino>i  cause  with  him, 
suffered  theni  to  encamp  on  his  side  and  rear.'      Shortly  after 
another  force  oi'  the  rebels  arrived  and  attacked  his  rear-;  but, 
with  the  aid  of  artillery,  they  were  again  repulsed.     Ai'ter  a  little 


I  This  confidciu'o.  iH'rhap^,  was  the  first,  niul  cliief  false  sli'|)  which  caused  tlic 
defeat  at  HeiiiiiiiL'ton.  and  coiiseciuently  the  defeat  of  Uiii;,'()jiie.  TIds  is  an  entirely 
uew  roveltttiou. 


/A    7V/A'  AMh'ltlC.lX  ItFA-OlATlOS. 


131 


wliile  a  stroii-er  body  iiiado  their  appearaiipc  aiul  attackotl  iikh'o 
vij^orously.  Thia  was  the  ,si-{iial  for  tlie  seeininj,'  royalistn,  who 
had  encamped  on  the  .side  and  rear  of  the  army,  to  attack  tlie 
Germans;  and  thcresult  was.  that  Hauni  suddenly  found  him- 
self cut  oft'  from  all  his  detached  posts.  For  over  two  hours 
he  withstood  the  sallies  and  fire  of  the  enemy  —  his  dray-oons, 
to  a  man.  fij-htinj,'  like  heroes  — but  at  last,  his  ammunition 
being'  used  up,  and  no  recnforcements  arriving',  he  was  oliligcd 
to  succumb  to  superior  numbers  and  retreat.  The  enemy 
seemed  to  spring  out  of  the  ground;  indeed,  they  were  esti- 
mated at  between  four  and  five  thousand  men.  Twice  the 
brave  dragoons  succeeded  in  breaking  a  road  through  the 
enemy's  ranks;  for.  upon  their  ammunitimi  giving  out,  Haum 
ordered  that  they  should  hang  their  carbines  over  their  .shoulders, 
and  trust  to  their  swords;  but  bravery  was  now  in  vain,  and 
the  heroic  leader,  himself  severely  wounded,  was  forced  to  sur- 
render with  his  dragoons.  Meanwhile,  the  Indians  and  pro- 
vincials liad  taken  flight,  and  souglit  safety  In  the  forest. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  IJreymann,  who  had  again  started  early 
on  the  morning  of  the  Kith,  reached  the  bridge  of  St.  Luke  at 
three  o'clock  in  the  afternoon.  Here  he  met  Governor  Skene, 
who  assured  him  that  he  was  only  two  miles  distant  from  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Haum.  Skene,  however,  not  informing  him  of 
the  events  that  had  occurred  he  continued  his  march  as  ipiickly 
as  ])ossiblc,  notwithstanding  his  troops  were  greatly  fatigiu'd. 
Scarcely,  however,  had  he  advanced  fifteen  hundred  paces  on 
the  bridge,  when  he  saw  a  strongly  armed  fore  occupying  an 
eminence  toward  the  west.  (iovernor  Skene  assured  him  that 
this  force  were  not  rebels ;  ))Ut  Hreymann,  not  satisfied  with 
this  assurance,  sent  ahead  a  patrol  toward  the  eminence,  who 
were  immediately  received  with  a  volley  of  musketry.  Upon 
perceiving  how  the  case  stood,  he  at  once  ordered  Major  Harner 
to  advance  upon  the  eminence,  sent  his  grenadiers  to  the  right, 
put  the  guns  of  both  regiments  into  position,  and  directed  the 
fire  upon  a  log-house  occupied  by  the  enemy.     The  Germans 


132 


MAJOli  GSXEItAl  niEDESEL 


drove  tilt!  Ameviciiiis  iieross  three  hills;  but  their  iunniunitioii 
Hoon  j-'iviny  mit,  they  were  (iblifietl  to  cease  from  the  pursuit. 
The  enemy,  fiuessini:'  the  cause  of  the  halt,  in  their  turn  once 
more  advanced;  upon  which  Hreyniann.  relying  solely  upon 
the  diirkness,  which  was  fast  coming  on,  to  save  himself,  halted 
his  men  opposite  the  enemy,  and  remained  there  till  it  wa.s  per- 
fectly dark.  Ife  then,  under  cover  of  the  darkness,  retreated 
acro.ss  the  bridge,  but  was  obliged  to  leave  his  cannon.  At 
twelve  o'clock  at  night  he  arrived  Avith  his  fatigued  corps,  at 
(Cambridge,  and  reached  the  army  on  the  Uattenkill  on  the  17th.' 

(ieneral  IJurgoyne  received  the  news  of  the  unfortunate 
termination  of  both  engagements  at  three  o'clock  on  the  morn- 
ing of  the  17th.  lie  innnediately  consulted  with  (ieneral 
Kiedesel.  and  resolved  to  start  with  the  entire  army  and  save, 
if  possible,  one  or  the  otiier  corps,  (,'aptain  Gerlach  was,  there- 
upon, sent  to  find  Hreynumn  and  tell  Vim  to  rejoin  the  army, 
which  was  on  its  way  for  his  relief,  under  the  command  of 
Kiedesel.  While  on  bis  way.  however,  to  the  relief  of  these 
corps,  he  received  orders  from  Hurgoyne  to  take  up  a  position 
on  the  Hattenkill.  Here  he  received  news  from  Breymann 
that  he  had  escaped  with  his  corps,  and  was  within  six  miles  of 
the  IJattenkill.  Hiedesel  innnediately  reported  this  intelli- 
gence to  Hurgoyne,  who  ordered  him  to  return  again  to  his 
former  camp. 

(ieneral  IJurgoyne.  after  these  events,  saw  plainly  that  ho 
could  not  advance  without  supplies ;  and.  accordingly,  he  deter- 


>  The  inisiiiiij;  ofticcrs  wore  Lioutennnt  ('(iloiicl  Hiiiiin,  Major  Voii  JIniborn : 
cnptiiins  of  lavalry.  Von  Krickc,  Von  IJi'inckiiii.',  Von  Sililaiji'ntt'ufl't'l,  Jiin. ; 
Lionti'nanis  Von  Hi'cki'oilt,  Von  Hotlinicr;  Coiiuls  Htlioonowald,  (inu'sse,  Stutzer ; 
Adjutant  Hoora,  (^nartcnnastor  (icil'i'iko,  Chaplain  Mnlzaginc.  Auditoi'  Tlioniaf, 
and  Lii'nti'uant  Von  HoiclicnlVld.  The  drajjoon  n'^'imont  wliicli  HUfi'oi'cd  so 
severely  in  thi!<  cngaiji'mcnt  consistod  of  four  Hciuadronx.  .\ccordinji;  to  a  ri^port 
by  Adjutant  C'li'vo,  datrd  AuL'iist  2(!.  17"T.  the  rcfriniont  I'hould  liiwe  minilKTcd  20 
olHcerH,  lilt  non-coniinissionod  olliciT-',  S  musician!',  'JKi  privates  and  20  sorviints. 
Tlie  number  now  was  .")  otlicers.  "i  non-eominissioned  ollleers,  2  musicians,  TT  pri- 
vates and  14  servants.  Missin;r.  therefore,  15 ofllccrs,  28  non-commissioned  otHcers, 
0  musicians,  Kiit  privates  and  li  servants. 


J.\  THE  AMKllICAK  nEVOLVTWy. 


133 


milled  to  rciiuiin  for  tlio  pn-seiit  at  Douart's  lioiisc.  At  the 
same  time,  however,  he  entrusted  ti^  Riedesel  the  duty  of  main- 
tainin-  eommuiiicati(.ii  with  Fort  Anne  and  Fort  Georfre.  Tlio 
latter,  therefore,  havin-;  witli  him  the  Oerniaii  re-inients  of 
Klu'tz  and  Ile.s.so  Ilanau.  and  the  47th  Fn-lisli  re-iment  with 
Hix  j:uns  of  lieavy  calibre,  broI<e  up  camp  on  the  ISth,  marched 
to  Fort  Kdward.  where  lie  rallied  his  troops,  and,  on  the  l!)th, 
arrived  at  John's  farm  and  took  up  a  position  in  a  fortified 
camp. 

The  Kn-lish,  as  usual,  endeavored  to  lay  the  entire  blame  of 
the  ill  success  of  this  expedition  upon  the  ( ieniians.  IJuiyi.yno 
had  merely  made  a  mistake  in  selcctin.ii'  only  (iermans  f,.r  the 
attack  (.n  I{eiinin-t(,u,  since,  in  their  opinion,  they  not  only 
marched  too  slow  but  carried  too  much  bajjj^'ase.  The  Kni-lish 
said  that  the  hats  and  swords  of  the  dra-of)ns  were  as  heavy 
as  the  whole  c«iuipnicnt  of  a  British  soldier.  It  is  true  that 
justice  was  done  to  the  bravery  of  Colonel  Bauni,  but  they  al.so 
said  that  lie  did  not  possess  the  least  knowled-e  of  the  country, 
its  people,  or  its  language.  ]}ut  who  selected  him  \\>v  this 
expedition '{ 


After  the  unsuccessful  affair  near  Bennington,  Ritde.sel  re- 
turned on  the  18th  of  August,  and  took  his  family —  which  had 
now  arrived  from  Germany  — to  John's  farm.  The  general 
occupied  a  building  called  the  Red  House,  in  which,  notwith- 
standing the  smalliiess  of  its  size,  he  made  himself  comfortable 
with  his  wife  and  children.  From  the  time  of  marching  he 
was  obliged  to  provide  for  his  suite.  His  staff'  adjutants  and 
officers  ate  with  him  at  the  same  tabic.  As  the  Red  House 
contained  only  one  room  and  a  bed-chamber  they  dined  out  of 
doors  in  a  barn,  where  tables  and  chairs  were  improvised  for 
the  occasion  by  boards  laid  across  barrels.  Provisions  being 
scarce  they  often  had  bear  meat.     Madam  Riedesel  never  had 


If.    ■'•■* 


!& 


w 


i;u 


MAJon  ilESKRAL  tUKDKHKL 


!  m 


WMikiiil  any  .such  iiiiNit  bufom,  but  hIic  (Uist-ribi'.s  it  iis  bciiiir  vi'iy 
imlatable,  csiiccially  tlio  jiaws. ' 

(ii'iicral  Uic(l('S(^l,  haviiij;  )io(Mi  ((I'tlcri'd  to  Iiold  this  j.'lai'o,  liad 
it  ioi'tiiicHl  as  far  iis  lie  was  abh\  anil  caused  the  nia^a/ines  at 
Fort  Anno  to  bo  roiuovcJ  thither  iih  ho  thoujihtthat  place  could 
not  bo  held.  At  tliatsauie  time  a  few  nia<fa/,iues  were  erected  at 
Saratojfa.  and  sujtplied  with  rations  sufficient  to  last  the  troops 
three  weeks. 

There  wore  still  cij;hty  Hrunswick  draj^oons  with  the  arinyj 
this  number  beinjjc  all  that  was  left  of  the  rej^inu-nt.  iriedcsel, 
desirous  of  havinj^'  them  mounted  as  soon  as  po.ssible,  be<iau  by 
mounting  thirty  men ;  for  no  more  horses  than  that  number 
could  be  had  for  the  present.  Meanwhile,  almost  ail  of  tho 
Indians  had  left  for  their  honuis.  while  the  army  was  standing 
still.  \'i'ry  likely  they  did  not  find  things  as  they  expected, 
especially  Kuropean  discipline,  which  did  not  at  all  suit  thom. 
The  excu.so  they  gave  was,  that  they  must  gather  their  harvest. 
They  were  chiefly  of  use  to  tho  army  because  the  Americans 
wished  III  ;'vail  thoniHclvcs  of  their  services  and  their  propen- 
sity for  scalping  Indeed,  as  the  Indians  were  mainly  used  as 
guards  at  the  outposts,  the  rebels  hardly  ever  dared  to  come 
near  them,  well  kno»ving  that  the  wild  men  were  very  cunning, 
and  their  eyes  and  ears  very  acute.  This  is  proved  by  the  fact 
tliat  as  Soon  as  they  had  left,  tho  enemy  began  to  molest  tho 
outposts,  and  became  very  troublesome. 

The  army  being  now  provided  with  the  most  necessary 
articles,  an  advance  was  ordered.  All  the  heavy  baggage  of 
the  diffisrent  regiments  was  sent  back  to  Ticonderoga  on  the  1st 
of  September.  Tho.se  articles,  however,  which  might  be  moi-o 
needed,  were  only  sent  back  as  far  as  Diamond  island  in  Lake 
(ieorge  —  seven  miles  from  Fort  fJeorgo  —  that  they  might  be 
close  at  hand  in  case  of  need.     At  the  same  time  two  companies 


'  For  a  more  tletallod  nccount  of  the  i-ojourii  of  the  Kciieml  and  liis  family  at  the 
Red  House,  us  well  as  for  a  history  of  the  latter  — an  hit'torical  hiiid-maik  —  xec 
The  Letters  and  JouriiaU  of  Mrs.  General  Jiiedesel. 


/.v  Tin:  .'.MKiticAX  iiicvoi.rrios. 


185 


(if  tliu  tTtli  HojjfiiiK'iit  wero  si-iit  witli  lliciii  ;is  ii  ^jiiTi.sim  ;  only 
thirty  men  aiul  ono  (.ffiixT  bciiiy  loft  at  Fort  (I forgo,  an  tlie 
coiiiiiiuiiication  witli  tliat  lake  was  tu  ho  given  up  for  the 
present.  In  pursuance  witii  tiii.s  plan  tlie  two  o(.ni))aniew  of  the 
53(1  Regiment,  which  had  been  iiitherto  .stationed  at  Furt 
George,  were  sent  to  Tieonderoga  to  recn force  that  po.st. 

Meanwhikt.  tiie  ,\niericans  troubled  the  outpo.st.s  more  and 
more.  A  lew  men,  who  had  .strayed  beyond  them,  were  captured  ; 
and,  on  the  l.st  of  September,  an  outpost  of  twenty  Canadians 
and  provincials  was  taken  directly  on  Fraser's  front.  I'o  put  a 
sto])  to  these  proceedings  and  replace  the  Indians  in  ,somo 
measure,  (lencral  Fraser,  im  the  2d  of  September,  issued  an 
order  that  one  non-commissioned  officer  and  sixteen  men  should 
be  furnished  by  each  regiment  to  form  a  corps  of  yiigers  —  this 
body  to  be  led  by  Captain  Fraser. 

On  the  :{d,  Kiedesel  loft  Fort  (ieorge  i  for  the  purpo.so  of 
expediting  the  transports  for  the  army.  On  his  arrival,  he 
found  a  document  from  the  American  (lencral  (iates,  and  also  a 
few  letters  and  lists  written  by  Captain  O'Conncll,  who  had  been 
taken  prisoner  near  Hennington.  These  pajiors  were  brought 
by  Cornet  Graef  Through  them,  the  general  learned  the 
particulars  of  that  engagement.  Lieutenant  Colonel  JJaum  had 
died  of  his  wounds  two  days  after  his  capture,  and  been  buried 
at  IJennington  with  all  military  honors.  Cajitain  Heinekinu-  of 
the  dragoons  and  Lieutenant  .\miers  of  the  grenadier  battalion, 
had  also  died  of  their  wounds  at  Hennington  ;  iiioutenant  IJoora 
and  Cornet  Stutzer  were  severely,  and  Chaplain  .Melzheimer, 
Lieutenant  Crebhard  and  Knsign  Spocht  slightly  wounded;  and 
Fhisigns  3Iuchlenfiold  and  JJagemann  were  shot.     More  than 


•  Fort  George  is  still  in  a  tolerablo  slate  of  i)ivsiM-vatioii,  lioiiijr.  indeed,  tlie  liCHt 
preserved  of  tlie  revdlulionary  forlillcalicms  (except iiii;,  perlia|)s,  I-'orl  I'litnani)  in 
existence.  It  lies  almost  sixty  ro  Is  smitheast  of  the  present  I-'ort  William  Hotel  at 
Caldwell,  Lake  George.  It  was  liuilt  to  lake  the  place  of  old  Fori  Willlain  Henry 
whicli  was  erected  by  Sir  William  .lohiison  and  afterwards  destroyed  by  Montcalm, 
in  nST.  It  was  never  tlie  scene  of  an  eni;a,i.'emenl.  and  was  only  nseil  as  a  depot 
for  military  stores  and  as  aeonnectini,'  link  between  Tieoudeio^'a  and  Fort  Kdward. 


in 


v.w 


MA.loit  <lh:SFrt.\h  niKriESKK 


(Hit!  liiiiidnMl  of  till'  UniiiMwifkcrs,  wlm  liml  licoii  soviTi'Iy 
Wiiiiii(l('(l,  W('r((  ill  tlu:  liuspital  iit  liciiiiiii^tnii.  and  wciv  well 
tiikcn  ciii't'  (if.  'riiiisf  wild  \viM(!  at  Alliaiiy  liad  bfcii  taki'ii 
iKirtlioaHt  ill  tilt!  vicinity  <it'  HoHtini.  'J'iii^  general  also  loarncd 
tluit  of  till)  ulcvi'ii  ('KinpaiiioH  Hcnt  IVoni  KM<z'land,  hovi'ii  liad 
rt-aclu'd  tlu'  army  tin-  Hamo  day  (tlio  Hd),  and  luid  bei'ii  ilix- 
tribiilt'd  aniniii;'  the  difl'i'rent  ri'i;iin<'ntH. 


liitMitciiaiit  Coloni'l  St.  L 


fill)  had  lic'cn  sent  Home  time 


SI 


ncc  tit  tlio  Moliawk  river,  was  at  first  Hiieees,sl'ul  ;  but  the 
Amorieans,  after  their  vietory  at  Menninjitun  takinj;'  IVenh 
foiiraj^o,  and  a  stronj;  Ameriean  detai'hment  advanein;:  from 
Half  jMooii  to  Fort  Htaiiwix,  he  was  forced  to  relimiuish  all 
hopes  of  its  eaiitiire  ;  and.  after  Imryiiif;  his  eaiiiion,  he  left  the 
.Mohawk  and  retreated  to  Oswejio.     'I"he  Hesse   lianau   yiiiiers 


tuneth 


ler  with  a  corps 


.find 


laii.s  were  wi 


thh 


ISut 


ip. 


h 


raisint:  tlie  siege, 


iiiy  of  the  latter  left   him  and  ii'tiirned  ti 


leir 


h 


nines. 


About  two  hiiiidrcd  of  them,  howevi 


ilied 


the  army  on  the  l^d  of  September  and  otVered  their  services, 
which  were  very  wt  Icome  to  the  commanding  general.  As  the 
captured  nriiiiswick  otlii-i  is  were  in  need  oi'  money,  clothing 
and  linen.  Itii'dcsi 
other  iiece.ssarie,>5. 


sel 


it    them  one  hundred    giii 


beside 


The  I'iiiglish  surgeon.  Wood,  was  .selected  to 


carry  these  articles  totlie  prisoi 


lers,  an 


d  Uiirgoyne  ordered  him, 


at    the   same  time,   to   take  along   with  liiin  his   instruments, 
nirdiciiK's.  etc.,  and  pay  special  attention  to  tlie  wounded. 

On  the  7tli.  Hiirgoyne  learned  from  an  American  deserter 
that  tlie  army,  under  General  Gates,  numbered  between  four- 
teen and  fifteen   thousand  men;    also,  that  that  jj^cneral  was 


rei)aring  to  nice 


prej 


t  th- 


,al  C 


•ya 


iinaaian  armv  am 


1  attack  it.     The 


inliabitant.s  of  Albany  had  already  received  orders  to  drive  their 
cattle  into  the  back  country,  that  the  army  of  the  enemy  miglit 
be  deprived  of  the  means  of  subsistence  should  it  reach  that 
point. 

Three  of  the  best  generals  served  under  Gates,  viz  :     Schuy- 
ler, Arnold  and  Lincoln  ;  of  the   brigadiers   were   mentioned 


/.v  /•///••  .1  i/AA7r,i.v  i!i:\i)i.rrii)\. 


18T 


(lliivcr,  Stiirk  1111(1  Wliipiilc.  Tln'  iiimJii  mi'iiiv  nl'tlir  Ann'ricMiis 
Wiis  iiciir  Stillwiitcr  in  ;i  vci-y  iKlviiiifiiucinis  |Hisiliiiii  ;  wliilc 
aiidtlii'i'  ('(i|-|i.H  lit'  six  lliiiiistiiiil  iiK'ii  was  lit  Hull'  Munii,  at  tin; 
Jiuicliiiii  (pt'tlic  Miiliiiwk  iiml  lliuisiiii'  rivci-s  —  w  vcit  liivipnilili' 
Hituiitiiiii  I'm'  till' sii|i]H>rt  ul'tlii'  iiiiiiii  limlv. 

On  tlir  Utii  nC  Si'iitrmlii'i'  till'  ai'tilliTV  nl'  till'  ii'lt  wiiiL:,  witii 
till!  47lli  Iti'jiinii'iit.  iiini'chcil  li'ipin  .liilin's  lai'iu  to  {'"mt  I'lil- 
wai'tl.  Tilt'  sauin  day.  MiirjiKvni'  ifsiifd  ni'ilcrs  that  tlii'  army 
slioukl  march  th(<  next  day  ;  hut  hcariujr  that  tht-  advanci! 
I'lirps  III'  the  I'lH'iiiy  was  mi  tlii'  (ilhiT  sidr  of  the  lliidsmi  this 
side  iil'tli(!  I'"i>likill.   he  cmiiiti'rmaiidi'd  it. 

.\t  .Hi'vmi  ii'clnck  mi  the  mm'iiiiij;-  of  tin-  Idtli.  Uiedi'scl  started 
till'  l'"m't  i'ldwanl  with  tlu'  nst  nt'thc  luf't  wiiif;  cniisistiiij?  ol' tho 
vcfiiiiu'iits  III'  Ulictz  and  lli'ssi-  tianaii.  Ili^  had  |)i'cvimisly 
Bt'Ut  ahead  a  sufficient  niimhcr  nl'iiicii  with  tlic  liuht  inrantry  tn 
cmistriiet  a  iimitiimi  hridjit' acrn.ss  the  lliidsmi.'  These  trimiiM 
took  u])  a  iiiisitimi  tlii.-s  side  tlie  l''islikill  mi  the  M»tli.  They 
were  iiiulcr  ( 'attains  {''rasei-.  .Nlniiin.  {{micliei'villc.  and  Colmiels 
I'ctei'seii  and  Vessii|i  "'  of  the  pruvincials.  r]imi  the  a]i|iriiii('h 
(if  this  Imdy  the  enemy  retreated,  and  iiiiniediatcly  tiie  advance 
corps  of   Urij^adier  Kraser  and  the  reserved  corps,  under  Hrey- 


'  Tllrl'iiluU'H. 

'J  Tlic  [iri'i't'iil  Imll'wiiy  Ihiiisc  liclwi'cii  (ileus  !''iills  and  Laku  (Jriirgr,  kiiinvii  lis 
lli'dwirs. 

3  Till!  pri'si'iit  I''isli  crci'k,  Ihc  (iiilli't  nl  Lake  SaraloLfn. 

■"Till'  Hniiisttii'k  •/utirnol  MiHf^.  thai  iis  early  as  the  I'.Mli  ol'.\n|:iisl.  a  l)iiil;,'e  wan 
llrst  iiiaile((4»(v  llie  |ireseiil  SaniKi^xa  l'"alls  nr  niiiiils  ;  lilil  iipdii  a  lieller  place  lieiii;,' 
found  lower  down  it  was  liriikeii  up  and  a  new  one  Iniilt  /ii/mc  the  rapids, 

Tiie  exact  place  where  the  Krilish  crossed  tile  lludsiin  was  jiisi  helow  the  Sara- 
toga Kails,  two  iniies  aliove  Scliiiyhrville,  atxiiit  eitihly  rods  norliuvost  ol'  thu 
present  residenci' ol'  Alirahain  Vales  Ho;;ers.  The  eiili'enchnieiits  wiiicli  were  at 
that  time  tiirown  up  to  cover  tiie  passa;,'e  of  the  river,  are  still  to  be  seen  very 
plainly.  Tiiey  are  tliree  linndred  leet  in  lenf,'lh  and  from  four  to  six  feet  in  heii,'ht, 
but  are  (im'u^  overi^rown  with  scruh  pines.  .Mr.  lio^'ers,  wliose  frrandfatiier  lived 
on  the  larin  at  ,he  time,  stales  that  wilidii  lliirty  years  ilie  wooden  iilatl'orms  for 
tiie  cannon  were  in  existence  heiiinil  the  entrenehineiit.  Tiie  survey  for  liic  rail 
ruad  from  I'liioii  village  to  Saratoga  Sjirings.  was  tiiroiigli  the  entrenchments. 

'  I'l'olialily  t'olonei  Jessop.  after  wlioiii  Jessop  Fails  on  t lie  lludtiim  river  above 
lUeiis  Falls,  are  named. 


188 


MAJOJl  GENERAL  JffEDEfiEL 


niaiin.  advanced  to  a  point  this  side  of  the  bridfje.  On  tlie 
opposite  banic  of  the  river  a  small  fort  was  oreeted  for  the 
defense  of  the  bridjic.  and  the  protection  of  a  few  supplies 
deposited  there.  On  the  same  day  the  artilierj'  of  the  left 
wing,  and  liieutenant  Colonel  Anistruther,  with  the  G2d  Kegi- 
ment.  reached  the  army. 

On  the  11th,  the  entire  army  started  from  Douart's  '  house 
and  took  up  a  jKisition  close  in  the  rear  of  the  reser  ,'ed  corps  of 
IJreymann  in  the  immediate  vicinity  of  the  bridge;  —  all  the 
artillery  being  sent  to  the  left  wing  of  the  English  regiments. 
Tpon  this,  tlu;  rebel  army  retreated  behind  its  advance  guard, 
leaving  Saratoga' altogether.  They  sent,  however,  some  detach- 
ments close  to  the  English  camp,  and  thus  obliged  the  corps  of 
Eraser  and  Hreymann  to  remain  the  whole  night  under  arms, 
and  Hurgoyiie  to  throw  up  some  entrenchments  with  the  utmost 
hi  .-;te.  Thi;'  day.  IJiedcsel  was  very  much  occupied  in  trans- 
porting st  ire.*  from  Eort  (ieorge  to  Fort  Edward,  whence  they 
were  carried  down  the  Hudson. 

lliedesel  at  first  designed  sending  his  family  back  into  Canada ; 
but  was  di,ssuaded  by  the  prayers  of  his  wife,  who  begged  to  be 
permitted  to  follow  his  fortunes  the  same  as  the  other  officers' 
wives.  The  ladies  followed  in  carriages  a  day's  march  behind 
the  army,  and  got  along  as  well  as  they  could.  Oeneral  ]}ur- 
goyne  was  so  certain  of  victory  tlnit  the  ladies  were  in  high 
spirits.     When  leaving,  the  vain  man.  with  the  utmost  coi.fi- 


lence.    e.vclainuM 


■d. 


llrit 


ons  never    retreat 


Tl 


le    prudent 


^ladame  Riedesel.  however,  was  very  much  disgusted  at  Hur- 
goyne's  never  keeping  his  plans  to  himself;  for  all  the  ladies 
knew  in  advance  what  was  to  be  done,  and  thus  the  enemy  was 
always  kept  well  informed  by  his  spies. 

On  the  morning  <if  the  12th.  Hiede.sel.  with  the  regiments  of 
l{hetz  and  Hesse  Hanau.  left  Eort  Edward,  to  take  up  a  positii 


)U 


'  By  fomp  railed  DikmV  'xoukc.  Tlii!<  tniildiiif;  stood  in  the  ijiesoiit  village  of  Fort 
Miller  on  the  e.ist  nide  of  the  'Judso;;,  about  two  miles  and  u  halt' above  where  the 
troops  erossed  the  river. 


/X  THE  AME/ilCAX  REVOLVTIOX. 


139 


near  Douart's  house.     The  two  Enj-liwh   rei,'iiiients,  the  -l-7tli 
and  02d.  departed  at  the  same  time  and  united  with  tlie  army. 

At  ten  o'cioelv  on  the  morninj,'  of  the  IHth.  Hiedesei  witli  his 
regiments  a<rain  started  and  reaeiied  the  left  winj;-  of  the  army 
the  same  day.  Tiie  corps  of  Fraser  also  started  the  .same  day 
at  seven  in  the  morninj,^  and  crossed  tlie  hridue.'  talvini;'  a  posi- 
tion on  an  eminence  this  .side  of  tiie  Kislilvili.-'  Tiie  reserves  of 
Breymann  followed  at  nine  o'clock,  covering  the  left  wing  of 
Fraser 's  corps.  After  crossing  the  bridge  the  artiUcry  remained 
on  the  Hudson  5  the  !)th,  2t)th,  21.st  and  G2d  llegiments  en- 
camped on  the  plain  near  the  river  hetv.ecn  the  liarracks  '  and 
the  Fishkill;  and  the  six  e(unpanies  oi'  the  47tli.  covered  the 
bateaux  on  the  right  bank  of  the  river.  All  the  Clernian  troops 
of  the  left  wing  remained  on  this  side  of  the  river.     The  lios- 


'  Tlie  Brunswick  ./nwn'i/.  in  spcaliinj;  of  the  imssu^'<'  o(  lliis  liridfrc,  sny  :  •■  Tlic 
aranl-giiai-ile.  iindi'r  Fraser  was  tlie  first  to  niareli  iivct.  At  nine  o'clock  the  reserve 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hreymann  followed  after  them,  in  order  to  cover,  in  tin! 
first  place.  Kraser's  left  flank.  Th(^  (ierinans  who  formed  the  left  wiiiir  of  the 
army  went  over  lust  of  all.  As  soon  as  the  last  man  had  crossed  the  brld^re  it  was 
broken  uj).  They  had  passed  the  liuliirdii.  a\u\  all  further  commnniealion  with 
t'anada  was  now  cut  oil'.  The  army  wliieh.  on  first  settini;  otl  from  lliere,  was 
lO.IXK)  stronj;,  had  already  dimiuislied  to  lUKM).  and  eieii  these  were  provided  with 
provisions  not  only  scant  in  ipiautily.  hnt  had  in  (piality. 

Wlieii  the  army  had  crossed  the  river.  Iliose  of  the  Uruiiswiek  drajjoons,  that 
were  left,  were  mounted.  These  amounted  to  only  some  liraily  men,  and  now 
formed  the  mlire  curulnj  of  Hit  aniiy.  and  even  these  few  were  very  poorly 
eipiipped." 

"The  liiuh  ridtte  directly  west  of  the  Schuyler  mansion  now  owned  liy  Mr.  Si  ro- 
ver, whos"  father  was  in  the  lialtle  of  Sarato^'a.  and  assisted  in  the  execution  of 
Lf)velace  the  tory.  The  translator  is  under  much  oi)lii;atii)n  to  hoih  .Mr.  Strover  and 
his  son-in-law.  Dr.  ('.  II.  I'ayiie,  lor  their  assistance  in  pointiii!;  out  to  Inui  the 
hicalities. 

Schuyler's  luuise  (so  says  the  manuscript  jcuirnals  of  the  (iermaii  olliccrsi  was 
betivfin  the  idil  villaj;e  of  Saraloija  anil  the  Kislikill.  This  fact  is  of  (jrnttt  im- 
portance in  locatinu;  the  old  villa!.'<>.  which,  by  the  way.  at  best  consisted  of  only  a 
few  scattered  houses. 

'These  barracks  were  located  on  the  north  side  of  the  road  lo  Sarato^'a  Springs, 
directly  upon  the  present  site  of  I  hi'  red  barns  of  tlie  llim.  .\lon/.<i  Welsh  of  Scliiiy- 
lerville.  who  (.ISCiT)  resides  a  I'ew  rods  east  of  the  barns  on  the  main  viliaije  street. 
The  barracks  were  standing  and  oci'upied  by  a  fanner  up  to  wiihiii  twenty  years. 
Ill  .Mardi.  l.MiT,  .Mr.  Welsh,  wiiile  plouirhiug  back  of  Ills  barns  came  across  ihe 
burying  place  of  the  hospital.    The  boues  thus  exhumed  lie  carefully  reburied. 


Uk    '^ 


140 


M A.J  on  OEXKllAL  IllEDESEL 


pitiil  was  attlic  barriK'k.aiid  (ioiit'i-al  |{iivi:ipyne  took  np  his  head 
((iiarttTS  ill  a  liouso  on  the  other  si(U^  of  tiu'  l-'irthkill  holongiiig 
to  (Jeiii'val  Schiiylor.  Tiie  head  (juarters  were  guarded  by  two 
hundred  men. 

Tlie  hills  around  Saratojiii  were  so  covered  witli  woods  and 
uiiderhnish  that  it  was  impossible  to  place  the  army  in  a  posi- 
tion to  withstand  an  attack  from  the  enemy.  All  of  the  gene- 
rals carefully  inspected  the  hills  nearest  to  the  camp,  and  ajxreod 
upon  a  position  in  case  of  the  enemy  making  their  appearance. 
All  the  colonels  were  notified  of  tliis.  'i'lu^  situation  of  the 
army,  moreover,  was  rendered  additionally  jjrecarious  liy  the 
fact  that  it  was  separated  by  the  river,  and  was  thus  obliged  to 
be  coii.stantly  (Hi  its  guard.  New  embaiiknu'iits  were  therefore 
thrown  u]).  and  strong  outposts  placed  in  every  direction,  espe- 
cially on  the  side  toward  15eniiiiigtoii.  Meanwhile,  the  Americans 
had  retreated  into  their  fortified  caniji  near  Stillwater,  distant 
about  si.\  miles  from  the  Knglish  army,  'i'hey  had  not  disturbed 
the  latter  on  the  passage  up  the  river.  (leiuu'al  IJurgoync  burned 
with  impatience  to  advance  on  the  enemy.  Accordingly,  the  very 
moment  that  all  the  baggage  had  crossed  the  bridge,  and  the 
fact  was  told  him,  he  gave  orders  at  eleven  o'clock  on  the 
morning  of  the  liUli.  that,  at  one  o'clock,  the  army  should 
advance.  The  cm-ps  of  IJrigadier  Fraser  formed  the  advance 
guard;  then  followed  the  army  in  three  columns.  The  four 
Knglish  regiments,  under  Urigadier  Hamilton,  and  constituting 
the  first  column,  were  to  march  toward  the  right.  The  second 
column  was  made  up  of  all  the  artillery.  The  derman  troops, 
as  the  third  column,  were  to  march  to  Stillwater  and  remain  on 
the  west  side  of  the  lludsnii.  The  baggagt;  was  to  remain  in 
the  rear,  and  the  liospitnl  and  supplies  to  follow  after  the  heavy 
artilltM-y.  under  the  escort  of  six  comiianics  of  the  -t7th  l{egi- 
meiit.  Tile  ctirps  of  JSreymann  was  ordered  to  remain  on  the 
bridge  and  to  destroy  it  as  soon  as  the  left  wing  h;(d  crossed 
over.  Henceforth,  this  corps  \vas  to  form  the  re;ir  guard  of  the 
whole  army.     The  regiments  began  the  advance  at  tiio  sound 


r.V  THE  A.}fE/iICA.V  IIEVOUTIOX. 


141 


i 


of  iniLsic,  in   the  I.est  of  spirit.^.     The  entire  army  defiled  in 
front  of  General  Burjioyne  who  was  on   tiie  other  side  of  the 
river  with  liis  suite.     Jn  eonseijuence  of  the  road  heinji'  in  had 
condition,  the  order  for  niarcliinji-  was  altered,  .so  that  the  whole 
of  the  infantry  formed  only  one  eolunin,  while  m;.rehing  on  the 
shore  of  the  river.     But  shortly  before  rcaehin-;-  the  new  cam]) 
the  army  marched  in   two  columns.     The  eentre   of  the  army 
soon  came  to  l)ovoj:at's  hou.se  which  the  commander  in  chief  at 
once  selected  as  his  head  (juartcrs.     The  left  winjr  rested  on  the 
Hud.son;  the  rij:ht  on  marshy  jiround ;  the  front  was  covered 
by  the  ('um:nin>;s  kill  which  hero  empties  into  the  river.     Fraser, 
with  his  corps,  was  with  the  ri-ht  winj; ;  and  the  rcfziment  of 
Ilhetz  and  the  47th  En.alish   were  .so  placed   in  the   left  win^\ 
that  the  chain  of  the  pickets  was  on  the  rear  of  the  left  win<:'  in 
connection   with    the  reserved    corps   of  Breyniann.     For  tin; 
defense  of  the  baopige,  which,  it  will  be  remembered,  was  under 
the  protection   of  the  47th.    two  more  twelve   pounders  were 
detached.     The  spot,  occupied  this  day  liy  the  army,  had  b.!cn 
mriJ  only  the  day  previous,  as  the  camp  of  four  hundred  .\meri- 
cans.     The  camps  of  both  armies  were  about  five  Kn.i;lish  miles 
distant  from  each  other,  so  that  at  ci.uht  o'cl,.ck  on  the  nK.rnin-,' 
of  the  Kith,  the  roll  call  of  the   Anu'ricans  could  be  distinctly 
heard  in  the   Knglish  camp.      It  was  believed   in   the   British 
army,  that  the  Americans  had  approached  nearer ;  and  in  .inh-r 

to  be  certain  in  rcj^ard  to  this,  as  well   as  the  positi f  their 

army.  Bur>i(.yne  liiin,«elf  .sillied  out  to  reconnoitre.  Two  roads 
for  the  two  columns  were  also  to  be  made  at  the  same  time,  iuid 
a  bridjic.  th.it  had  been  destroyed  by  the  Americans,  was  to  be 
repaired  in  order  to  facilitate  the  advance  of  the  army.  A  part 
of  the  li<;ht  troops,  consisting  of  one-half  of  Frascr's  corps,  and 
the  second  brigade  of  the  two  win;is  with  si.\  jiuns,  were  de- 
tached for  this  purpose.  The  !»th  and  the  {\>A.  of  the  right  win-:, 
under  Lieutenant  Colonel  Am.struther,  and  the  reginuMits  of 
Specht  and  llcs.se  Manau  of  the  left  wing  urid.-r  IJrigadier  (lall. 
were  also  detached  for  the  same  purpose. 


■;',  ''A 


142 


ilAJOn  GEXEHAL  ItlEDESEL 


At  eleven  o'cloek  on  the  nmriiing  of  the  Kith,  the  coqiH  left 
the  camp  iieconipiiiiied  by  Hurgoyne,  IMiillips.  Ricdesel  and 
Fraser.  Two  divisions  of  working  men,  caeh  one  hundred  strong, 
with  the  necessary  tools,  followed  the  corps.  The  column  of 
the  right  wing  consisted  of  one-half  of  Eraser's  corps,  under 
Major  Ackland.  and  the  regiment  Specht  ;  the  column  of  the 
left,  of  the  Dth.  G2d  and  llesse  Ilanau.  The  former  crossed  a 
ruined  bridge,  which  had  now  been  repaired,  and  came  to  .1 
road  leading  to  Povogat's house,'  just  below  the  Cunnningskill. 
The  latter,  after  crossing  the  bridge,  took  the  road  leading  to 
Sword's  house.'-'  Eoth  houses  were  about  two  and  a  half  Eng- 
li.sh  miles  distant  from  the  British  c.injp.  The  generals  were 
obliged,  on  account  of  the  detention  caused  by  the  repairing  of 
the  bridge,  to  discontinue  reconuoitering  for  this  day.  Toward 
evening  they  reached  the  two  houses  above  mentioned,  which 
were  about  eight  hundred  paces  distant  from  each  other  and 
separated  by  dense  woods.  At  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening 
the  corps  returned  to  their  camp,  without  seeing  anything  of 
the  enemy.  On  the  following  day  (the  17th).  at  ten  o'clock  in 
the  morning,  the  army  again  started  in  two  columns,  taking  the 
two  roads  that  had  been  made  the  day  previous.  The  right 
column  was  composed  of  Fraser's  brigade  and  the  Knglish 
regiments  of  the  right  wing;  the  left,  of  all  the  fierman  troop.s 
of  the  left  wing.      Heliind  those  followed  the  heavy  artillery. 


'This  linufie.  which  is  ntill  (ISfiTt  slaiiiliiii.'  in  t'ood  proxerviition.  on  thf  miirijin 
of  tlic  r,al<i'  C'liiunplaiii  canal  about  tilly  rods  from  tlio  Hudson,  is  situated  4<)riy 
rods  east  of  the  road  from  8cluiylorville  to  Stillwater,  in  what  is  called  Van 
Vechten's  cove  at  Coveville.  It  is  owned  by  Mr.  Wilcox,  the  president  of  the 
SchnyU'rvlUe  hanli.  and  is  at  present  tenanted  l)y  an  Irishman  of  the  name  of 
Patrick  Mohan. 

2  The  site  of  this  house,  is  on  the  south  bank  of  a  spriiii;  brook,  about  fifty  yards 
west  of  the  lludscui  river,  and  a  few  rods  nin-th  of  the  south  line  of  the  town  of 
Saratojia.  II  may  be  readily  found  from  bein;;  about  thirty  rods  north  of  a  high- 
way lead  iuff  from  the  Hudson  river  road  wi'sterly.  which  hii,'hway  is  the  llrst  (me 
north  of  Wilbur's  basin.  This  hiirhway,  was  nearly  Ihe  same  at  the  time  of  Gene- 
ral IJurijoyne's  visit  in  1717.  as  it  is  now.  It  was  on  land,  now  (IS(i7>  owned  by  n 
Mr.  I'hase.  about  three  miles  south  of  Schuylervllle.  .Ml  traces  of  it  are  now 
obliterated,  save  u  slight  depression  in  the  soil,  where  wait  the  cellar. 


JX  THE  AMEBIC  AX  liEVOLUTIOX. 


148 


the  hospitals*,  stores,  and  all  the  liaj:gM<;e  of  tlie  army.  The 
corps  of  ]}reyiiiaiiii  again  formed  the  rear  guard.  At  six  in 
the  evening  the  army  encamped  near  Sword's  house,  e.xtending 
back  to  Dovogat's  house.  The  eanip  was  on  an  eminence.  In 
advance,  among  the  hills,  stood  Fraser's  corps;  and  in  the  rear, 
toward  the  plain,  bivouacked  Specht's  brigade  in  line.  Hrey- 
niann's  division  reached  the  main  army  at  one  o'clock  in  the 
night,  and  encamped  fifteen  hundred  paces  in  the  rear  of 
Specht's  brigade.  In  the  space  between  Krcymann's  corps  and 
Specie's  brigade  were  artillery,  trains,  supplies,  etc.;  the  latter 
brigade  exti.iding  as  far  as  the  Hudson.  The  bateaux,  with 
their  freight,  were  also  here.  A  de,>*erter  reported  that  the 
Americans  had  left  their  camp  near  Stillwater  three  niileiii 
distant,  in  order  to  attack  the  English  army.  liurgoyne 
accordingly  reenforccd  the  outpost.s,  and  gave  orders  that  the 
next  morning  before  daybreak  the  army  should  be  under  arms. 
The  night,  however,  passed  quietly  —  still  no  particulars  of  the 
enemy's  position  among  the  hills  were  as  yet  known.  Brey- 
inann's  corps,  for  the  sake  of  safety,  advanced  to  the  right  wing 
close  to  the  divisicm  of  Fraser.  Kiedcsel,  in  turn,  then  ad- 
vanced to  the  position  just  left  by  Breyniann.  The  regiment 
Khetz  occupied  the  bridge  between  Sword's  house  and  the 
English  regiments  of  the  right  wing.  At  this  point,  a  footpath 
led  from  Stillwater  across  the  mountains. 

The  Americans  had  destroyed  all  the  bridges,  and  the  roads 
were  con.secinently  impa.xsable  for  an  army,  IJurgoyne.  there- 
fore, could  advance  no  farther.  On  the  ISth.  he  caused  some 
roads  to  be  cut  thr(nigh  the  woods,  and.  at  the  same  time,  had 
a  few  earth  works  thrown  up  to  cover  the  army  in  the  rear. 
The  road  along  the  bank  of  the  Hudson  was  entirely  destroyed 
by  the  Americans;  and  as  the  left  wing,  artillery  and  baggage 
were  to  advance  in  this  direction,  the  road  and  the  buried 
bridges  had  also  to  be  repaired.  Ricdcsel  superintended  this 
work  himself,  and  this.  too.  in  the  presence  of  the  enemy  who 
were  on  the  opposite  bank.     By  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon, 


144 


MA.ioii  a h:\KHM  uikofiskl 


two  l)rid^('H  were  n']>air('il,  and  a  new  (inc.  di'sijiiiiiti'd  Xo.  1.' 
linilt.  Ilcrt'was  Ici't  a  picki't  of  two  liiimlrcd  men.  Tliu  enemy 
made  iseveral  movements  toward  the  left  win,t:.  wliieli  occupied 
more  <ii-(iund  and  had  proji^ressed  more  rapidly  with  its  work 
than  flu^  rijiht.  All  unnecessary  iirinji  was  forbidden  in  the 
English  army.      Kverythin<j;  remained  ((uiet. 

Toward  i'our  in  the  ai'ternoon.  four  regiments  of  the  enemy, 
with  Ijanncrs.  could  plainly  be  seen.  1'hreo  were  liidden  be- 
hind the  hills,  and  two  bidiind  some  woods  on  the  plain. 

The  nijilit  passed  (juietly.  althougli  the  Knglish  J^niy  were 
ready  at  any  moment  for  battle,  and  were  under  arms  an  hour 
before  daybreak.  Kicdcscl,  who  was  tiic  more  cautious,  as  lie 
expected  that  tlie  loft  wing  would  be  first  attacked,  ordered  two 
coni])anies  of  his  regiment,  two  hours  befort?  day,  to  advance 
and  occupy  a  position  Ijetwetiii  the  left  wing  and  the  picket  on 
the  bridge.  All  the  patrols,  who  returned  in  the  morning, 
reported  that  they  had  seen  nothing  of  the  enemy.  IJurgoyne, 
therefore,  determined  upon  an  advance;  and.  as  a  jtrejjaratory 
step,  onco  more  divided  his  army  into  three  columns."  The  first 
or  centre  column,  consisting  of  the  !)tli.  2(lth.  21st  and  (J2d 
Hegiments  with  six  six-pounders,  was  led  by  JJrigadier  llamil- 
t(ni  ;  the  second  or  right  column,  consisting  of  the  English 
grenadii'rs  and  light  ini'antry.  the  24th  IJrunswick  grenadiers, 
and  the  light  battalion  with  eight  six-pounders  under  Jiieutenant 
Colonel  Hreymann.  was  led  l)y  (ienoral  Eraser;  and  tlie  third 
or  left  column,  which  was  to  advance  on  tlie  main  road  and 
consisted  of  the  rest  oi'  the  (!erman  troops  and  the  artillery  of 
the  left  wing,  was  led  by  (Jeneral  Kiedesel.  (ieneral  IJurgoyne 
remained  with  the  column  of  J{rigadier  Hamilton.  The  licavy 
artillery,  baggage,  etc.,  followed  the  column  connnanded  by 
l{iedes(d.  The  47th  Hegiment  remained  on  the  right  bank  of 
the  Hudson  for  the  protection  of  the  Itateaux. 


'  Bri'.ifji-  No.  1,  wan  ovor  the  liniok  Ilml  ruii!-  iiiln  the  Iludwiii  at  a  locality  now 
kiiDWii  ax  Van  Uureirs  ferry,  lUructly  opposite  the  vina^e  of  Ewstoii.  It  in  slill 
(juite  u  etream. 


/X  rilK  AMKIilVAN  liEYOLVTIOX 


14o 


Oil  the  19th  of  September,  tlie  ariiiy  hegiiii  its  prepariitioiis 
fur  tlie  iiiart'h  by  foriuin^'  into  three  eoluuinn.  The  llessc 
llaiiau  rojiiiiieiit  was  directed  by  IJiedesel  to  occupy  tlie  liills 
oil  either  side  of  Sword's  liouse  and  defend  the  roads  leadiii" 
into  the  woods  beiiind  tliis  linuse.  It  was  fiirtlier  ordered  to 
remain  in  tiiis  positimi  until  the  troops  of  the  h;ft  winj^  had 
passed,  wlien  it  was  to  form  tlie  rear  <:iiard.  At  eleven  o'clock, 
upon  the  discharge  of  a  sij;nal  -;un  in  tlie  centre,  the  advance 
guards  of  the  three  Cdhimns  started,  i  The  advance  guard  of  the 
left  wing  was  firmed  by  part  of  the  dragoons,  and  a  detachment 
of  one  hundred  men  of  the  light  infantry.  Then  followed  the 
regiment  Ifiedesel.  a  detachment  of  working  men  and  the 
artillery  of  the  left  wing,  the  regiment  lihetz.  and.  last  of  all, 
the  regiment  Specht.  The  column  crossed  new  bridge  Xo.  1, 
and,  after  pa.«siiig  Taylor's  house,-'  halted  at  a  distance  of  about 
eight  hundred  paces  from  the  latter.     At  this  jmint   it  was 


^ 


'  Tho  reverberation*  of  this  signal  gun  among  tlie  hills  is  tlesciibed  in  scveial 
mnnnseript  journals  ns  particularly  grand. 

■•■Taylor's  house —  the  one  in  which  (Jeiieral  Kraser  is  supposed  to  have  died  — 
was  situated  three  miles  and  a  iialfsoulli  of  Kisli  creek,  and  about  one  huudred 
rods  nortli  of  \Vill)ur's  basin.  .\t  the  time  of  the  battle  it  stood  by  the  side  of  llie 
old  road  on  the  west  margin  of  the  intervales  at  the  foot  of  the  hill  on  whicli  (iene- 
ral  Kraser  was  bin-ied.  Wlien,  some  years  al'lerwards,  tlie  jiresent  turnpike  was 
constructed,  rimning  twenty  rods  east  of  the  (dd  road,  the  hitter  was  discontinued, 
and  a  Mr.  Smitluwlio  had  purehaseil  llie  idd  lionsei,  drew  it  to  llii.  west  side  of 
the  turnpike  and  (uriied  it  into  a  tavern.  Hence  it  was  long  known  as  the  Smith 
house.  It  stood  until  within  the  years,  when  it  was  torn  down.  Tlu>  fonndalious 
yet  (lS(i7)  remaiu  on  ground  now  owned  by  Cotton  &  Sons.  In  ISvll,  tlie  late 
Theodore  Dwiglit  visited  the  spot,  and  iniide  a  drawing  of  it.  which  has  been  en- 
graved and  given  in  Th<-  Lettirs  aiiil  Joiii-iici/.U)/  .Ui-<.  Gentrul  HUiU-iil. 

It  is  generally  believed  that  the  Taylor  house  was  the  mw  in  wliicli  (ieneral  Fra- 
ser  died.  This,  however.  I  believe  to  be  a  mistake,  and  for  the  ftdlowing  reason  : 
Whenever  any  inci<leiit  oceui-s  at  or  near  Taylor's  house  it  is  always  spoken  of  in 
the  manuscript  journals  of  the  (iernian  officers  as  iiaving  occurred  at  or  iwar  Tmj- 
loi'x  house.  ISut  wiien  si»'aking  of  the  prominent  event  of  Fraser's  death,  he  is  said 
to  have  been  carried  into  the  %  liouse  occupied  by  Mrs.  Hiedesel,  Tliis  opinion, 
moreover,  seems  to  receive  lonllrinalion  in  the  fact  that  on  the  original  maps  of 
tliis  action,  tliree  houses  are  put  down  on  the  locality  where  Taylor's  house  stood. 
Neither  was  tlie  Taylor  house  at  any  lime  tiie  head  (piarlers  of  Burgoyiie,  as  has 
also  been  heretofore  believed,  lieneral  Burgoyne's  head  quarters,  after  leaving 
Sword's  house,  was  in  the  centre  of  the  army  on  Freeman's  farm. 

H) 


.:>.  ^'i 


146 


MA.TOn  (IKXKRAL  ItlKDESEL 


necessary  to  build  a  new  ln'idjre  acruss  a  niai'slij'  ditch,  which, 
wlieti  c(iun)loted,  was  iviidwn  as  brid-re  No.  2.'  The  men  at 
once  tell  to  work,  under  the  jirotection  of  the  rcjiiuient  IJied- 
escl ;  the  other  rej^inients  meanwhile  sendinjr  out  patrols  as  far 


forward  as 


1" 


ible 


'!'( 


oward   one  o'l 


lock 


th 


i(!  afternoon  a 


brisk  fire  of  musketry  was  heard  at  a  consitK'rable  distance  off. 
It  continued  to  be  lieard  for  half  an  hour,  and  wa.s  .suinjosed  to 
proceed  from  the  second  column.  In  the  meantime  the  work- 
men continued  tlunr  operations  on  the  left  winj^.  Finally 
liicdesel  ordered  the  rcjiiment  l{hetz  dose  up  to  his  own' 
rc<:;iment,  that  it  ini}j;ht  be  near  at  hand  in  case  of  need.  At 
the  same  time  he  ordered  two  companies,  under  Captain  Fred- 
ersdorf  to  push  forward  to  the  other  side  of  the  ditch,  when  it 
would  be  in  more  easy  communication  with  the  centre  column. 
Oeneral  Phillips,  who  connnanded  the  heavy  artillery,  and  luid 


hitherto  followed  the  left   column,  offered  to 


back   to  the 


seconi 


1  col 


umn  and  investij;ate  into  the  cause  of  the  late  firinji'. 
Not  deeming  it  prudent  to  take  the  nearest  way  through  the 
woods  he  rode  back,  and  followed  in  the  track  of  the  right  or 
second  colunni.  x\h  soon  as  the  bridge  was  finished,  liiede.sel 
informed  the  different  colonels  of  it  by  a  signal.  Jle  then  ad- 
vanced across  the  bridge  ;  but  scarcely  had  he  gone  si.\  hundred 
paces  when  lu;  was  obliged  to  build  another  one  (called  No. 
!J  ■•).  in  ccnisequence  of  which  the  army  were  again  brought  to 


'  Thin  bridge  was  over  tlif  creek  llml  ran  into  the  Iliulsoii  at  a  plaee  now  called 
Wilbur's  liasiii,  alidiit  (Uie  liuiuired  rods  south  of  tiio  Ta.vlor  or  Smith  house. 
At  this  time  it  was  i)uile  a  larire  stream,  but  luiviu;;  been  directed  into  the  C'hani- 
])laiii  canal,  it  is  now  only  a  muddy  ditch.  The  lanil  on  wliich  lids  is,  is  now 
owned  l)y  Mr.  lloajr. 

•This  liridfre.  according'  to  the  lirniiswicli  ./mz/virt/*  before  (|noted.  was  al)out 
1..">(K1  feet  soutli  of  bridfre  .No.  2  iWilburV  Hasin).  fifteen  feet  nortli  of  the  llrst 
canal  bridire  soutli  of  Willmr's  basin.  Its  site  is  now  occuiiied  by  the  Cliamplain 
canal.  Tlie  .louiiidl  says,  "'I'lie  left  coluinn  resumed  its  niarcli  (from  liridfje  No. 
2),  but  had  scarcely  advanced  (itK)  jiaces  +  wlien  they  were  coiniielled  to  halt  airain 
and  repair  a  bridtre  which  bad  been  demolished,  etc."  This  point  is  an  important 
one.  from  the  fact  that  it  was  the  f.rlreme  eoullierit  limit  on  the  river  bank,  reached 
by  I$iiri,'oyne"s  army  in  liis  expedition. 

[*  Thl«  Brunswick  Journal  was  a  semi-oftlcial  one  kept  by  the  Brunswick  officers 


I 


/.V  Tin:  AMEtlWAX  JiKVOUTIOX. 


147 


a  halt.  Tlie  ailvaiico  (ruard.  tlio  workiiioii  and  tlic  party  dc- 
tiiilt'd  t'(.r  the  protcftidii  (tt'tlio  left  wiiii:-  wt'ro.  however,  i-i'licved  — 
thus  advaiifiiifi  the  re<-iiiioiit  Hlietz  to  the  jio.sitioii  lately  held 
])}'  the  rej^iiiient  Riedesel,  the  hitter  oceiipyiiiji'  the  heijrht.s 
around  Tayhir's  house  on  the  other  side  of  the  diteh,  and  those 
in  the  woods  on  the  cross  road  whore  ('ai>taiu  Fred.'rsdorf  stood 
with  his  two  companies.  For  the  def'en.se  of  brid^ic  No.  2.  two 
twelve-pounders  were  brouj,dit  into  pr).sition,  the  si.\-pounders 
having-  been  taken  by  the  regiment  Rhetz  for  the  protection  of 
the  workinji'  party. 

Toward  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  .AFajor  IJloomtiel  I  of  the 
artillery  returned.  He  hud  accompanied  Phillips  on  Ids  recon- 
noitorinf,^  expedition,  and  had  now  been  sent  back  by  him  to 
lliedesel  with  the  repr)rt  tiiat  the  Hrunswick  li<-ht  troops  be- 
longing to  the  advance  guard  of  the  rigl.t  wing  wcri;  already 
hotly  engaged  witli  the  enemy,  that  the  latter  were  drawn  up 
in  order  of  battle,  and  that  a  general  engagement  would  take 
place  that  very  afternoon.  Major  IJloomfield  was  accordingly 
directed  to  bring  back  with  liim  a  few  heavy  guns  from  the 
artillery  train,  for  the  support  of  the  right  wing ;  but  scarcely 
had  he  left,  when  the  fire  of  musketry  began  anew.  Hiedesel, 
having  as  yet  heard  nothing  from  IJurgoyne.'  immediately  dis- 
patched Captain  Willoe  to  the  latter,  at  the  same  time  jx.sting 
his  men  so  that  lie  could  not  bi;  taken  by  surprise.  It  was  of 
the  utmost  importance  thai  the  ground  between  bridges  Nos. 
1  and  2  should  be  held,  as  upon  that  depended  the  salvation  of 
the  entire  army.     Here  were  the  artillery  and  the  supply  train; 

(luriiif;  the  war  and  brought  back  with  them  to  Ciormnny.  It  alTords  Invahiablc 
information  for  Ell{in','V  work,  The  Anj-UUirifx  In  America.  Tliis  latter  work  ^fr. 
T.  \\.  Field  lias  had  translated  preparatory  to  its  pnblicalion  in  Knclish.  Tliroui;h 
his  great  kindness  I  have  been  allowed  to  make  qnolalions  from  it  both  for  'Fhe 
JouriHilx  nf  .V)v.  (ieneml  Ithileid.  and  also  for  this  work.] 

[+  An  army  on  moderately  i>lain  ground,  takes  two  feet  and  a  half  to  a  step.  Thin 
woidd  make  the  distance  from  bridge  Xo.  2.  to  bridge  No.  3,  abont  \,-m  feet  as 
stated  above.] 

I  Tlie  reader  will  bear  in  mind  that  Burgoyne  had  advanced  toward  l''reeman"s 
farm  with  the  first  or  centre  column,  under  Brigadier  Uamilton. 


m 


■/"T 


w% 


148 


MAJOll  (iKXEItAL  itlKDKsF.L 


in  f'.ict.  here,  iii'iir  TiivIor'H  liniisc.  was  tlu'  main  iidsitinii.  Tiiis 
jtiiliit  was  ((CcinruHl  l»y  the  re^fiim-nt  HiriU-sel.  wliiili  liad  tor  its 
;,ii|)|)i)rt  two  Hix-poiiinK'rs,  under  Captain  Pauscli,  posted  in  an 
advantageous  position,  u  littlt;  in  ndvance.  Some  Indians,  rnn- 
ninjr  across  the  woods  and  mountains  I'rom  the  rifilit  winjr, 
n^ported  that  a  few  rejiiments  of  the  enemy  had  mareiied  to 
witliin  a  short  distunee  of  tlus  loft  win;;-.  This  story,  moreover, 
was  tile  more  credible,  as  some  rebel  patrols,  who  had  been 
seen  on  the  plain,  had  shot  the  horse  of  a  dra;::oon  while  aetinj^ 
as  sentry.  In  the  meantime  the  firing;  lasted  until  live  o'eloek 
in  the  afternoon,  when  Captain  Willoe  returned  with  a  inessago 
from  ]}urj;oyne  to  the  efteet  that  Hiede.sel,  after  reenforcinj;-  his 
position  near  the  river  as  mueh  as  possible,  should  take  the 
rest  of  his  troops  and  attack  the  flank  of  the  enemy  near  Free- 
man's farm.'  Uiedesel.  aceordinnly.  ininii'diately  selected  for 
this  purpose  two  companies  from  the  rcfiiment  IJhetz.  and  the 
wlitile  of  his  own  rouiment.  tojicther  with  two  cannons  —  their 
places  bikini;  filled  by  the  remaining  three  companies  of  the 
rej;iment  Uhetz.  Leaving  Jirigadier  Hpecht  with  the  47th  and 
the  heavy  artillery  in  command  on  the  river,  Riedesel  took 
the  road  behind  bridge  No.  2.  and  crossed  the  new  one  No.  15, 
leading  to  the  plain.  Here  he  .stationed  a  guard.  After  cross- 
ing the  bridge,  he  hastened,  with  two  companies  of  the  regiment 
Rhetz  as  an  advanced  guard,  as  quickly  as  possible  on  a  road, 
one  and  a  half  English  miles  long,  through  the  woods  till  he 
arrived  on  an  eminence,  from  tlie  top  of  which  he  could  see  the 
engagement  of  the  right  wing.  The  enemy  were  posted  on  a 
corner  of  the  woods,  having  on  his  right  flank  for  a  defense  a 
deep  muddy  ditch,  the  bank  of  which  had  been  rendered  inac- 
cessible by  stones,  underbrush  and  barricades.  In  front  of  this 
corner  of  the  forest,  and  entirely  siu-rounded  by  dense  w;uods, 
was  a  vacant    space,   on    which   the    I'lngiish    reginu'iits    were 


'  The  locality  thus  (U'sigimti'd  yet  rotainn  Uii'  name  of  FroeiiianV  farm,  and  in 
owned  niid  occupied  (IStiTl  by  a  farmer  of  llic  name  of  Ebeiiezer  Le{,'(,'ett. 


' 


j.\  Tilt:  AMh:iii(A\  uKvin.iriDS. 


149 


(Iriiwii  uj)  ill  liiii'.  Tlio  stnijfjrlt!  wiis  fur  the  poMHOHxioii  of  tliia 
vaciiiit  spiur.  on  wliicli.  Iiy  tlm  way,  Krcciiiairs  liinii  was  situ- 
ated. It  liail  already  bei-ii  in  pussiwiDii  of  liiith  jiarticH.  and 
now  served  as  a  nnppurt  for  tlio  lel't  fiaiik  of  the  Kiijiii.di  ri-ilit 
wing,  the  rijiht  flank  being  covered  )iy  tiie  eorps  of  Fraser  and 
Hreyiiiann.     Tlu!  Dtli  served  as  a  reserve. 

Wiien  (ieneral  J{iede.sel  arrived  on  tlie  eininenee.  tiie  ))at(le 
was  raging  the  fiercest.  Tlio  Americans,  fur  superior  in  iinin- 
bor.s,  had.  for  the  sixth  time,  hurled  fresh  troops  against  the 
three  Eiigli.sh  regiments — the  liOtli.  21st  and  (12(1.  The  guns 
on  this  wing  were  already  silenced,  there  being  no  more  ammu- 
nition and  all  the  artillerymen  having  been  either  killed  or 
wounded.  The  three  brave  English  regiments  Inid  been,  by 
the  steady  fire  of  fresh  relays  of  the  enemy,  thinned  down  to 
nne-lialf.  and  now  formed  a  small  band  surrounded  by  heaps  of 
dead  and  wounded.  This  was  the  scene  presented  to  the  view 
of  Kiedesel  on  his  arrival  on  the  height.  Kvery  moment  he 
expected  to  see  the  little  band  either  captured  or  annihilated 
by  the  Americans.  Quickly,  and  without  waiting  for  the  rest 
of  liis  troops  —  with  drums  IteatiiiL'  and  his  men  siioutiiii'- 
"hurrah!"  —  he  attacked  the  enemy  on  the  double  (|uick. 
Pcsting  his  troops  at  the  edge  of  the  above  mentioned  ditch,  he 
sent  such  ti  well  directed  volley  among  the  Americans,  that 
those  troop,s  who  were  coming  out  of  the  woods,  and  about  to 
fall  upon  the  English,  were  startled  and  turned  back.  The 
British,  animated  with  fresh  couragi?.  ])ressed  forward  at  the 
point  of  the  bayonet.  Mea^iwhile.  Captain  I'au.sch  arrived  with 
his  guns  at  the  right  moment,  and  forming  into  line  with  the 
EnglLsli,  opened  fire  with  grai>e  shot.  'I'he  regiment  Kiedesel 
also  arrived  at  the  nick  of  time,  and.  joining  the  two  eompauies 
on  the  ditch,  considerably  extended  the  line  of  fire. 

The  English  had  thrown  a  bridge  across  the  ditch  for  the 
purpose  of  keeping  up  the  necessary  connection  with  the  left 
wing.  (Ieneral  Kiedesel,  therefore,  after  posting  his  two  com- 
panies on  the  edge  of  the  ditch,  galloped  toward  the  bridge,  in 


'.Jll 


» 


150 


M.Uoll  a h:\Klt.\i  mtmnsKh 


(ii'dcr  til  cniifi'r  witli  (iciici'iils  HiirL'nyiK'  nnd  IMiilli|p>i.  'riiciico 
lie  sent  iii'ilcrs  t  i  liis  ti'iiiijis  ti>  iln  tlicir  liot  ti>  ci'umi^  tlic  ditfli 
mill  iiiiiti'  willi  till'  Kii;ilisli.  Tlic  Unuiswickfi's.  liaviiiji'  .xuc- 
ci'i'ili'il  ill  s|(it('  lit'  itH  ti|i|i;iri'ii(  iiiiimssiliility  in  ni'ciiiii|ilisliiii>{ 
tiiix  H'lit.  iiiiiiicdiiitt'ly  iinurcd  iiiintiicr  vnlii'V  id'  iiiiiski'ti-y  into 
till!  oniMiiy'M  tlaiik,  ii(riiiii|iiiiiyiii;;  it  witii  ii  •  liuniili  I  "  'I'liis 
wiiH  the  tiiniiii^'  piiiiit ;  fur  tlu>  Kii^lisli  aiid  (icniiaiis.  tiirnwiii^ 
tliciiisi'lvfs  u))iiii  tlio  fiii'iiiy  ill  tlin  wmids.  r('|iiil>ii'd  fluaii. 
Scarcely,  liiiwever,  was  the  I'lifrajri'iiiciit  over  in  tiii.s  ijiiarter, 
when  firiiij;  bi'j:;an  again  mi  tiic  nj:lit.  A  few  Anieriean  bri- 
ffades  iiad  endeaviired  tii  Hmrmind  tlie  rij.d>t  win;;,  but  Lieutenant 
Cdiiini'l  Hreyniann,  beiiin  mi  liis  jiuard.  received  them  with  a 
vijfiiriius  fire,  and  emii|ielh'd  tlieiii  to  retreat  after  a  few  din- 
eliai'ifes.  (ieiuM'al  I'raser,  whii  was  a  witness  of  tliis,  ffivcH  tho 
most  splendid  acknowiedijnients  to  the  (ierman  trmips  .n  a 
general  circular  to  all  the  Knj:lixli  j^icnerals. 

Only  one  huiulred  of  the  enemy's  dead  were  on  the  battle 
field  at  the  close  of  the  eiigaiiement ;  for  he  had  had  time  and 
opportunity  to  remove  must  of  his  killed  and  wounded.  Deserters 
reported  that  the  Americans  had  had  their  whole  force  enj;aged, 
havinj:  luft  only  eifi'iit  hundred  men  to  liurrisun  their  camp. 
They  were  commanded  on  this  oecasioii  by  tieneral  Arnold. 
Tht^  Knjilish  and  (iermans  remaini^d  durinj"-  tho  niffht  on  tho 
battle  field.  Hiedesel,  however,  returned  at  nine  in  tho  evoninf: 
to  the  Ud't  wing  which  he  found  encamped.  Tho  He.Hso  llanau 
roffimont  was  ordered  to  quit  its  position  on  the  cross  road,  and 
take  up  another  one  near  bridge  No  2,  hitherto  occupied  by 
the  regiment  Specht  —  the  lattt'r,  with  two  cannon,  moving  on  to 
the  height  where  the  throes  companies  of  tho  regiment  llhetz  had 
until  now  been  stationed. 

Thus  had  tieneral  Hiedosel.  with  his  (Ierman  troops,  once  more 
saved  the  Knglish  from  a  great  misfortune,  having  nni(uestiiinahly 
decided  tho  engageniont  in  their  favor.  Notwithstanding,  how- 
evor,  tho  praise  whicii   the  (ierman   troops  received  for  their 


bravery  on  this  occasion,  lioneral  JJurgoyno,  and  a  fe 


tho 


w  otnor 


i.Y  Tin:  .1  MKitir.w  ituvouriox. 


161 


Kii^'licli  ('iiiiiiiiiindci's.  ri'jriirdcd  tlic  (Jfriiiiiri  jrcncriil  willi  MciTi't 
envy.  IiiiIcimI.  flicy  winild  f,lmll_v  liiivi'  ]iii>'st'd  over  liis  mcrit.s, 
liiid  Hiicli  a  tiling'  liccii  iinssililc.  Itritisli  |ii'id('  did  imt  dt'siro 
tlio  ii('kiici\vl('d;;iii('iit  id'  liriivi'iy  utliiT  llitiii  tlieir  own,  iiH  wo 
mIimII  Hi>i>  iiinri!  pliiinly  in  tlu>  t'iitui't<.> 

(it'iicrid  IJiiruoyiii'  I'rsnlvt'd.  iil'tcr  lliis  riiL'.Mi.M'1111'nt.  ti>  iidviinct' 
no  I'lii'tlu'r  I'm-  tlu"  jiri'Sttiit,  liiit  tn  iiwiiit  tlii'  iiiiivi'iiii'iifs  cd' 
(ionoriil  lliiwf  liir  tlio  uiiidii  nt'  hntli  aniiii'M.  He  iMnicliidi'd, 
thcri't'iirc.  til  jiiist  liis  [iriiiy  in  sucli  w  ]Misitiiin.  tliiit  wliili'  it 
Would  Im'  st'cui'c  i'mni  tin  iittuck,  it  niijilit  hv  IVcc  tn  nndrrtiiko 
(itliiu-  ii|iL'ratiiin.s.  AeL'i)i-diii;;ly,  on  tlic  lidtli.  lio  insjicctcd.  witli 
his  othor  jit-norals.  the  ontirn  n'jrion  orcmintry  wliicli  had  boen 
hitherto  oeciiiru'd  hy  his  tliri'e  coluuins.  Tlie  ivsiih  of  this 
inHpt'cticiii  was  the  posting-  of  tlic  avniy  fmni  l-'rccnian's  farm 
across  the  woods  and  hills  as  far  as  Taylor's  hmisc,  in  front  of 
hridgo  No.  2.  and  thence  to  the  Hudson.  At  the  same  tiiuu 
for  the  (hd'ense  of  the  rij^ht  winjr.  a  redoubt  wiiH  thrown  up  on 
the  late  battle  field  lU'ar  the  corner  of  tlii'  woods,  that  had  been 
occupied  by  the  enemy,  this  side  of  the  ditch.  The  defense  of 
this  ditch  was  entrusted  to  the  corps  of  J''rascr.  wlio  were  to 
occupy  tlu!  same  position  that  the  (iermans  had  done  on  the  day 
(d'  the  battle.  The  reserve  corps  of  ]{reyui:iuu  was  posted  the 
other  side  of  tlu;  ditidi,  both  for  the  ]irotection  of  the  right  flank 


.1 


AS 


'111  Stcilinun'H  llhtory  11/  Ihi  Aiiiiiitiiii  )IV/;' «i'  llntl  tlic  ln'st  I'vlilcnccc  iif  tlio 
NlulriiuMit  in  till!  ti'xt.  In  dcsiiiliini,'  till"  (■in.'airciiifiit,  fm-  liii'liiiici'.  liu  iimkrs  not 
till'  least  iiu'iiliiiii  of  (icin'ml  Kli'ilfi-rl  mill  liiw  Hank  iittiiik.  'Tlic  >'iimiiiinlinir  of 
llu'  ri^'lit  win;,',"  lie  i-ays.  "  war*  (Vin<liale(l  In  (ieneial  Kiaser."'  He  I'liitlier  aililn, 
"Tlio  Oerniaii  triioiiH.  in  ei)ii-»eiiueiiee  of  their  posllloii,  the  leaving'  ol'  wlileli  wan 
not  eoiiHidereil  ailvi-'alile,  diil  nut  (dke  a  ijiiiit  imil  in  Ihin  iiiijtiiji iiiml.  Alter  tliu 
coniineneenu'iil  of  this  aetion.  (ieneral  I'liilliiis  made  his  way  lhriMi;.'h  the  dense 
woods,  a  proeeedin;.'  that  was  of  great  advaiita;;e."  We  w  ill  not  make  any  liirlher 
'  \plaiia:iiiiis.  but  leave  it  to  the  decision  of  the  reader. —  .\i)le  in  llie  <)ii;/hni/. 

MrB.     ieneral  Hiedesel,  with  a  few  ol' the  olHcers' wives,  who  had  lollowed  the 

army,  was  near  the  Held  olai't  ion.  and  knew  that  their  hllsliands  were  In  the  contest. 

!•  was  the  llrst  time  she  had  stood  this  test ;  and.  iioiw  ilhstaiuiinir  her  coiira;;e.  she 

'ired  the  most  liilensc  aiiiriiish  dnrin^'  these  trying  hours.    She  lias  descrilied 

-iluation  very  j;raiiliieally  and  in  detail  in  \ivr  l^ttltin  ami  Joiiinuli>,  to  which 

the  reader  is  ruferroil. 


ir)2 


M.UOR  (iKXKltM.  !llI-:i)Ksh:i 


di'  Krjiscr's  division  mid  iiir  the  dcf'i'iisc  ut'  a  ruiid  loiidiiiji'  IVoiii 
tliis|i(iiiit  to  till'  roar  (d'llic  army.  Tlio  ri<;ht  wing  of  tliu  Hnj:- 
lisii  liriuadc  \v;is  iiImcimI  in  olosc  jiroxiniity  to  the  left  wiiifr  of 
KrasiT.  tlms  extendinjr  tlu!  lino  to  tlio  loft  as  far  a.s  bridge  No. 
'1.  'I'lio  road,  on  wliicli  liiodosoi  had  lia,'<tonod  to  tho  suc'.'or  of 
the  IJritish.  \\w.  |provioii.s  day,  wa.x  theri'fore  now  in  tho  roar  of 
tlio  army.  Tho  loft  wiim  was  also  oxtonded  to  a  (•onsiderul)le 
cniinenoo.  The  llosso  llanau  rej:iuiout  kojit  its  jiosition  on  the 
oross  road  hehind  l)ridi;'o  Xo.  2.  The  tTth  and  tiio  oorps  of  ])ro- 
vinoials  rom;iiiiod  in  its  old  position  for  the  defense  of  the 
uronnd  hotwoon  hridjios  No.  2.  and  No.  .'!.'  where  tlio  artillery 
and  S'lpjiiy  trains  were  ]ilaeed.  (Jeneral  Hurgoyne  took  np  his 
head  (|uarters  in  the  centre  of  tlie  army.  The  entire  front  was 
eovored  by  a  deep,  muddy  diteh  rnnninj;  nine  hundred  paces  in 
IVont  of  tlu^  outposts  of  the  left  wing.  lint,  at  the  same  time, 
being  so  near  tiio  eentrt',  that  the  outposts  were  on  the  farther 
side.  This  diteh  ran  in  a  eurvo  around  the  right  wing  of  the 
Kngllsh  brigade,  thereby  separating  I'ViiserVi  eorj)S  from  tlie 
main  body.  The  s})aee  bi'tween  them  was  tilh'd  up  with 
artillery  an<l  a  few  detachments.  Near  the  water,  about  four 
hundred  paces  I'rom  brilue  No.  \\.  was  a  corner  (d'  the  forest 
extending  down  the  hi'l.^,  behind  which  the  enemy  had  liis 
outposts.  There  was  also  a  detachment  of  the  Hesse  llanau 
regiment  stationid  behind  some  ondiankmonts.  for  the  de- 
i'onso  of  bridge  No.  W.  This  was  the  new  camp  of  Freeman's 
farm.-' 

Tiio  boatiu'.:  of   tlio  nrilllr   in   the  eiu'inv's  cami)  could   be 


'  S('«  iiotn  II  lew  pairi's  hack,  in  I'll'riviici'  to  ilic  siic  dl'  hridL'i'^  N'l)!'.  I.  i.  ami  ;i. 

-  Tlu'  I'ciildWJiiL',  aiso,  i^'  llii'ilcsci'ipilDii  ol'  llic  I'ditck  as  j.'i\>'ii  in  Ilic  Anjilidiiis 
takiMi  IVdiu  llic  Itiunr'wick  ./(»/)■»((/.  .MlliiMiirli  it  (Idrsimt  liilVir  I'l'^'cnliallj  I'nnn 
IlKMiin'  in  till' lo.tl  itaki-n  IVnni  tiriiiTal  Ilicilori's  .Iimiiiiili  it  I'liiiiislics  ailiiiliiniai 
ili'tiiiii'.  l)rsiilrr<  priiviii;,' niiisl  roncliisivciy  tiir  talsily  uf  llic  stalcnicnt  L'ciH'niily 
ina'ic.  tliat  lliiiL'iniic'.''  lu'ad  i|iiaitcix  were  at  Ttiijliii'nlioiiff.  Vhit  note  iiii  tlio 
Taylor  or  Siiiitli  Iioum'  a  lew  paixcK  liack. 

"Tlic  cncanipincnt.  alter  the  action,  c.tleiidcd  I'idiii  Krci man'!-  liirni  tliroiit'li  the 
forcKt.  over  tlie  riiliie  of  a  liili  ii|)  to  the  hci^'ht  lichind  'la;,  ior-  lioiise:  and  I'rom 
the  bridge  No.  a.  down  to  the  Hudson.    On  the  rif;iit  wint'.  near  the  ravine,  where 


/.v  TiiK  AMEincAX  iiEroirriox. 


i."):? 


heard  by  the  left  wiiij;-.  wlu'iur  it  wn.s  fonjci'tiircd  tliat  their 
ri^ht  win;.-'  (.•mild  imt  \w.  far  distant  f'niiii  tlic  ditch  near  (he 
caiii])  id'  tlio  (Ifriiians.  TIic  Aiin'ricans  were,  tlii'rctiiro.  nearer 
til  tlie  liitter  tlian  to  the  Knulisli.  In  cinh-r,  Imweve;.  to  ascer- 
tain the  poHition  nt'tlie  enemy  witli  inure  certainty  as  well  as  tn 
force  them,  liy  a  innvenient  id'  the  left  win;:-,  to  vacate  this  side, 
the  Knjiiish  <;eneral,  at  daybreak  (d'  the  21st.  cirdered  iine  tlmu- 
sand  working  men.  under  the  supervision  of  two  enj;ineers.  to 
cut  a  road  throntih  the  woods  in  the  direction  where  the  \\\w,- 
rieans  were  supposed  to  be  encamped.     The  same   number  of 


till' i'ii;.'iii;i'iiiciil  (it  111!'  pi-fcrdiin;  (Illy  liaci  liiki'ii  plaii',  a  rcilnulil  wa>  llin)\vii  up. 
l'"nii<cr"s  (■iirpf  was  also  slalioin'il  then',  that  is  tii  say.  ini  Ihc  <\Mn.  \\\ww.  cliiriii:,' 
tile  aiticin.  Kiiiilcsi'l's  seven  eiiiiipaiiies  hail  l)eeii  plai-eil.     (Jii  the  nllier  siile  (if  the 

ravine  slmiil  the  reserve  unii.'r  lireyni; tii  eiiver  the  riu'lit  tlaiik.*     Ileliinil  Kni- 

ser's  lert  Hank  llie  riL'liI  wini' iil'  llie  lirilish  liriijailes  lieiran.  anil  llienee  the  entire 
line  Dl'tlie  army  streleheil  aeniss  Hie  liills  up  In  'I'aylnr's  house  hel'Div  l)riili.'e  Nd.  a. 
On  the  left  win:;  lliere  was  a  lieikrht  I'rinn  wliieh  the  iMitire  lireailtli  iif  the  \alley 
fnini  the  river  up  ti)  l)riil;.'e  N'li.  :!  eimlil  lie  swept  hy  shot.  The  re:,'inieiit  iil'  lies-,, 
lluiiaii  was  to  keep  its  iiiisitinn  in  the  valley  iin  the  cross  road  liehiiid  liriiiire  .\o.  -l. 
liavinir  its  oiiterinost  posts  near  the  l.ridi.'e  .No.  :),  The  ITtli  liei.'inieiit  and  the  eorps 
III' proviniials,  tiiu'ether  with  the  lew  Indians  lliat  still  ivniained  with  the  army 
were  also  direited  to  (lelenil  the  valley,  and  were  stationed  between  Hie  bridijes  1 
and  ■,>.  whi're  the  train  and  Im-pitals  werei.  Iso  plaeed. 

••  Itiii%'oyne  iv(;;i/«(//«7/c, (/(  (lit  Hiiijiyh  iniil  (itniidii  //vxi/w  ,if  Hi, (/,.■.; /  on  Me 
htitjlilx  (il  llii  left  Willi/.  The  entire  IVont  \.as  proteeted  by  a  ileep.  mar-hy  diteh. 
with  an  iitideri;rowlli  of  wood  aloii::  its  side  :  said  diteh  riiiiniiii;  elose  to  the  line 
in  the  centre  and  windine;  oiVarimnd  the  riL;hl  Hank,  so  that  II  cut  its  way  between 
said  Hank  and  Kraser's  division.  The  empty  space  lel'l  in  llii-  uianner.  was 
covered  by  u'uards  and  batteries.  To  ihi'  lefi  the  ditch  lost  itself  in  the  valley  near 
the  declivity  of  the  hills,  at  the  distance  of  lldli  paces  on  the  other  side  ol  tin'  chain 

of  senlries,    Hehiiid  the  ditch,  palisades  and  barricadouf  iminensi' ii s.cnt  down. 

rose  up  -for  trees  were  elose  at  hand.     In  tile  valley,  al t  IIKI  paces  beyond  the 

outer  brill:.'!'  No,  a.  the  an^'le  of  a  forest  extended  aliiii:;  the  lliidsim.  and  ran 
throui;li  the  hollow  as  fur  up  as  the  declivity  of  the  hill,  and  behind  -aid  an^rle  or 
ed^'e  of  th'' forest,  the  .\niericaiw  had  stationed  their  most  advaiici'd  (uitposis  in 
the  valley  To  protect  the  bridi'e  No,  ;).  one  ollleer  and  forty  men  nl  the  Hesse 
llannii  re:.'iiiient  stood  eiiirenclied  on  the  road,  with  a  -ubaltern  L'lanl  ul  ten  men 
posted  at  some  disl.'ince  belore  t hem  in  a  house  willi  loop  holes,  Kach  re;.'iiiieiit 
had  tiidetuch  one  picket,  which  was  stalioncd  l.iHid  puces  in  advance  of  its  Iront  : 
and  between  said  picket  and  the  camp  were  the  outposts,  l-'or  tlie  protection  of 
lluse  outposts  triaiiu'iilar  redoubts  were  thrown  up.  Such,  prilty  iiearlv,  was  the 
disposition  of  the  camp  at  l-'itKKM.vNs  KAIIM," 

I'"  This  spot  is  now  called  by  the  fariuei-  Iil  noovsK's  iiii.i,.  See  note  -onie 
puyes  iu  udvaucf,  [ 

20 


*« 


^^ 


154 


MAJOIl  GKXEUAL  ItlKDlC^EL 


troops  f'nnii  tlio  centre.  iiTicl  as  many  more  from  t]\v  left  \vin<r 
aecompaiiied  this  party  as  a  jiuanl.  Tlic  workinj;'  party,  alter 
makinji-  a  road  on  tlie  lei't  winu'  as  far  as  tlie  ditcli.  were  at- 
tacked ))y  a  force  of  one  hundred  reliels.  who,  however,  were 
driven  back.  Hut  the  tumult,  thus  occasioned,  caused  Hur- 
jjoyne  to  call  the  army  to  arms,  in  which  position  it  remained 
two  hours.  .\s  sociH  as  jill  was  ajzain  ipiiet.  the  army  returned 
into  its  eamp. 

It  was  a  very  difficult  task  for  the  Knj:lish  commander  to  till  up 
the  thinned  ranksofthosi' three  Knjrlish  rejiiments  that  had  home 
tlu'  hrunt  of  the  last  enj:a<;ement.  He  tinally  determined,  for 
tlu'  present  at  least,  until  reenforcenuMits  arrivi'd,  to  (ill  up  their 
ranks  with  itrovincials,  havinjr  tirst  jiained  the  consent  of  their 
commanders.  Captains  Petersen.  Yessop.  Makelzy.  and  McKay. 
to  the  step,  upon  j^ivinu  them  a  written  jiromise  that  tlu'ir  men 
shoidd  he  dismissed  hy  the  25th  of  the  Decendier  followinji'. 

huiin;^-  tl'e  interval  hi'tween  the  21st  and  the  22d.  a  pontoon 
bridire  was  constructed  alonj;side  ot'  hridut'  No.  2.  under  the 
direction  of  Captain  Schenck.  '{"his  was  done  to  iiicilitate  the 
comniunication  of  the  army  with  the  opposite  hank.  l)uriuf;' 
the  niiiht.  considerahle  noise  and  hallooinj;'  was  heard  in  the 
American  eamj).  This,  in  connection  with  the  fact  that  at  six 
o'clock  of  the  ])revious  eveninf;-  firinjr  had  heen  heard,  led  tlie 
army  to  suppose  that  .hiuh'  holiday  was  heinji  celehrated.  On 
the  miU'uini;  cif  the  22d.  some  loyal  .Mhaiiians  reached  the  army. 
The  ne.xt  nnu'uinjr  the  army  received  orders  to  he  under  arms 
every  niorniiii;  one  hour  lieture  dawn  as  lon<^'  as  it  remained  in  its 
present  camp.  .\  courier  frnm  (leneral  Ijowe  arrived  the  same 
day  with  dispiitehes  to  llurii'iyne.  which  the  latter  kept  secret, 
itieiiesel.  however.  learne(l  anmni:  other  things.  llial  Ijciwe  had 
sent   a   corps  up  the    Hudson  in   shi]is.   under  the  command  of 


(leneral   Clinton,  for  the   in 


purp. 


if  i:cttin: 


tl 


f  th 


that  Howe  ju'oniised  to  scml 


le   rear  o 
.some  more  news 


.\meiieans  ;  ; 

in  ahout  I'iuht  days. 

The  work  of  fortifying  the  camp  was  continued  daily.     Or 


AV  THE  AMEIlICAy  liEVOLVTJOS. 


\hh 


flio  23cl.  a  phu;  ,r,n-u),'x  was  laid  nut  in  t'nmt  of  tlic  reiii- 
nuint.s.  whiel.  was  als.,  fortifieil  a.s  much  as  iM.ssiblc  ami 
strcM.jrtho.UHl  with  batteries,  the  army  having  ubuiulauco  of 
iirtillery.  In  front  of  the  lino  in  the  woods,  trees  were  felled 
t"  within  a  distance  of  one  hnndred  paees;  while  between 
brulges  Xos.  1  and  2.  lar-e  embankments  and  redoubts  were 
thrown  up.  .Alore  than  one  thousand  nn-n  were  employed  for 
fourteen  days  on  this  work.  Tn  the  ni,uh(  of  the  2:id.  a  n,.,,,t 
deal  .,f  noise  was  again  heard  in  the  Ameii..an  ean.p.  This 
time,  howevir.  it  may  have  proceeded  from  working  parties,  a.s 
the  most  common  noise  was  the  rattling  of  teams.  From  the 
fa-'t.  also,  that  human  voices  were  heard,  it  is  evident  that  the 
enemy  mnst  have  been  very  near  the  other  side  of  the  ditch. 
Indeed,  detachments  of  the  enemy  came  dose  to  the  outposts, 
but  were  driven  back  by  the  i)atrols. 

On  the  2.3d.  Ihugoyne  sent  the  Brunswick  Captain.  (Jerlach, 
with  a  strong  detachment  of  provincials,  -m  a  reconnoitering 
expedition,  to  the  opjmsite  bank  of  the  Hudson,  for  the  imrposo 
of  a.scortaining  nmre  exactly  the  real  position  of  the  enemy. 
He  was  to  ascertain  especially,  if  something  conld  not  be  done 
against  the  enemy's  right  wing,  j.rovided  the  roa.ls  wen>  in  a 
snitable  condition.  He  retnrned  in  the  evening,  and  rep,,rted 
that  he  had  been  beyond  the  right  wing  of  the  Americans,  bnt 
could  not  find  out  their  position,  otherwise  than  that  he  sup- 
posed they  were  encamped  in  two  lines.  According,  also,  to 
his  report,  they  had  no  bridge  across  the  river,  bnt  a'f.'rry  four 
miles  in  their  rear. 

On  the  m.n-ningof  fl,is  day  (the  2:!d)  the  (U.tposts  of  the 
left  wing  and  of  tlu'  corps  of  Fraser  and  Hreymann  were 
attacked  by  a  larger  force  than  on  the  previous  occasion.  In  a 
skirmish  near  the  water,  the  em-my  were  repulsed,  though  with  a 
loss  of  three  men.  Several  of  the  Americans  were  also  wounded  ; 
and  a  jmtrol  ..f  the  regiment  Kh.-t/.  brought  in  four  pris.,m'rs.' 
The  same  nmrning  the  wagons  in  which  Kiedesel  ha.l  sent  cloth- 
ing to  those  Brunswick  othcers  who  had  been  captured,  returned 


-•«» 


%-'\' 


156 


MAJOR  GEXEltAL  lilEDKSEL 


at  ton  o'clock.  (Icncriil  Oiitcs  jriivc  tlic  servant  of  tlic  late  Tiicn- 
tcnant  Coioncl  naiiiii  liis  lihcrty;  a  circiiiiistaiicc  which  caused 
the  man  tn  lireak  i'orth  in  such  laudatinns  in  the  canij).  that  it 
was  feared  the  fellow  niij;ht  induce  some  of  the  soldiers  to  desert. 
He  said  that  the  sick  and  wounded  prisoners  were  still  in  Uen- 
niniiton.  hut  the  well  ones  had  heen  taken  to  Sj)rinj;field.  A  few 
loyal  .Vlbanians,  who  arrived  at  tiiis  time  in  tlio  camp,  reported 
that  (ieiieral  Howe  had  lately  jrained  wime  advantage  over  Wash- 
ninj^ton.  who.so  army  was  near  its  dissolution.  A  deserter,  who 
soon  after  came  into  camp,  confirmed  this  report. 

The  noises  in  the  American  camp  continued  the  fcdlowing 
nijrht.  and  the  outposts  were  ajrain  trouhled.  (In  tlie  mornin<j; 
of  the  2()th,  Hurjioyne  .sent  an  officer,  with  a  detachnu'Ut  id' 
Indians  and  liiiht  troojts.  in  tlic  direction  of  the  enemy  by  a 
circuitous  way.  'I'his  officer  succeeded  in  j;aininj;-  the  rear  of 
tlie  .Vmericans.  hut  failed  to  learn  anythinu'  of  their  position. 
He  came  across  a  jiarty  of  thi'  enemy  which  he  rcjiulsed ;  and 
the  Indians,  as  usual,  hroujrht  in  a  ftnv  scalps.  The  description 
given  by  the  servant  of  the  late  liieuteuaut  Colonel  Haum.  in 
regard  to  the  amiable  and  ))leasant  deportiiu'nt  of  ( ieneral  dates, 
was  in  no  wi.se  extravagant.  The  latter  soon  gave  another  proof 
of  this.  The  captured  cornet.  ( Jrai'f.  of  the  dragoon.s.  soon  after 
arrived,  on  the  morning  of  the  2Sth.  on  the  outskirts  of  the 
cam]),  in  the  company  of  Colonel  Wilkinson,  the  adjutant 
general  of  (Ieneral  (iates.  The  former  only  was  admitted. 
The  object  of  Wilkinson's  visit  was  to  see  about  the  exchange 
of  a  captiired  American  colonel.  In  this,  however,  he  was 
unsuccessful,  as  the  colonel  was  then  in  Kngland.  (ieneral 
(Jates  wrote  an  extremcdy  polite  anil  agreeable  letter  to  ]Jur- 
goyne  and  IJiedesel.  and  allowed  Cornet  (iraef  to  renniin  five 
days  in  the  Knglish  camp.  Horatio  (Sates  was  a  native  of 
Kngland.  had  formerly  been  in  the  British  service,  ami  had 
distinguished  himself  at  the  capture  of  .^lartini(^ue. '      He  aftcr- 


'  Vide  Stone's  fJf<  (IikI  Tlmm  of  sir  WiHium  ■luliiiann. 


I.V  TIIK  AMKlllC.iX  HEVOLVTIOX. 


157 


Wiird  loft  the  iiriiiy,  went  to  AiiieriiM,  and  bdii^rht  liiiid  in 
Virjiiniii.  Upon  tin;  l)reakinf;-  (Mit  cif  tlie  rebellion  in  1775.  he 
entered  the  American  service,  and  t'onnd  another  ojjjiortniiity 
of  using  his  military  talent.s.  lie  was  a  man  of  high  culture, 
and  very  amiable.      We  shall  soon  speak  further  of  this  general. 

.Many  things,  liitiierto  unknown,  were  gathered  from  (Jraef. 
Among  other  items,  he  stated  that  a  short  time  since  the  Ame- 
ricans, under  (iencral  Jiincoln.  had  attempted  t((  surj)ri.se  the 
two  forts  at  Tieonderoga.  In  their  main  objt'ct  they  had  been 
unsuccessi'ul.  though  they  had  captured  fonr  companies  of  the 
53d,  besides  driving  an  officer  and  his  men  out  of  a  log  house, 
and  getting  jiossession  of  a  ship  and  one  bateau.  This  was 
the  occasion  of  the  firing  and  noise  heard  in  the  enemy's  camp 
during  the  night  of  the  21st.' 

At  nine  in  the  evening  of  the  same  day  (the  28th)  an  out- 
post of  the  Hesse  Ilanau  regiment  near  the  river  was  surprised 
and  driven  back  by  a  party  of  fifty  men  who  had  come  suddenly 
upon  them  through  a  field  of  corn  ;  but  being  at  once  reenforeed, 
they  forced  the  Americans  to  retreat,  and  reoccupied  their  former 
position. 

Tlu^  situation  of  (ieneral  Hnrgoyne  already  began  to  grow 
dangerous.  The  outposts  were  more  and  more  molested;  the 
army  was  weakened  by  siek,  wounded,  and  the  sending  oft"  of 
detachments;  tlie  enemy  swarmed  in  its  rear,  threatening  the 
strongest  positicms;  the  army  was  as  good  as  cut  oft"  from  its 
outposts;  while  in  addition  to  all  this,  in  conse(|uence  of  the 
close  proximity  of  the  enemy's  camp,  the  soldiers  had  but  little 
rest.  To  prevent  unnecessary  alarms  as  far  as  possible,  liur- 
goyno  ordered  the  two  generals.-'  commanding  the  two  wings, 
to  station  an  adjutant  at  each  outjjost.  tiinler  whom  should  be 
the  patrols.      .\n  alarm  was  then  only  to  be  given  when  one  of 


'The  rciulcr  caiiiMil  fail  tn  iioliic  llu'  cxlmciidiniiry  lint  Itiat  Biiriroyiie  wfts 
ladi'btcd  t(i  nil  ciiriMy  ill  liU  riiiiit  for  iiifdrmalion  rcspccliii;,' liU  own  poHts  in  hi« 
rwir.     Did  lii-  Indian  scouts  play  Idin  false,  or  was  it  bad  >,'eneralsliip  ? 

'-'  »rij,'adior  Hamilton  ol'  the  ritflit,  and  Cieneral  IJiedesel  of  tlie  left  will;,'. 


\m. 


158 


MA.Iiin  (iE.\t:ilAL  KIKDKHEL 


tlu'si'  iuljutiiiits  tliiiiii;lit  it  ii('rcs.-.iin'.  Accdi'dinirly  'a  stiifl'  nfficcr 
WMS  (lis|iiitcli('(l  (liiriiii;  tlic  il;i_v  tin-  tlu'  jinrixwc.  |{ut  that  which 
wi'iikeiR'd  thi'  ariiiv  still  iiKirt'.  wiis  tlic  ^ri)wiiifij  desertioiiM.  Tlio 
Aini'ricaiis  had  si-iit  a':('iits  into  the  Knulish  caiiiii  whu  oiidoa- 
voivd  til  indiico  tlu;  suldicr.s.  liy  all  kinds  of  representations,  to 
desert  ;  and  it  heinii  already  known  that  the  Americans  treated 
thtiir  prisoners  very  kindly,  and  that  they  wcM-e  not  as  strict  in 
their  discipline  as  the  Kiiropeans,  the  aj^ents  here  and  there 
t'onnd  a  williiiji  ear.  The  want,  moreover,  of  ('verythinj;-  to 
which  the  Kn^lish  soldier  especially,  was  aceiistomed,  and  the 
hard  service,  niadi^  matters  worse  yet.  There  were  already, 
hesides  the  sick  wiio  were  with  the  reiriment,  eiirht  Imndred 
men  in  the  hospital,  tlu;  most  of  wliom  were  wounded.  On  the 
other  liand.  (Jeneral  dates  was  enabled  to  streiijithen  liis  army 
constantly  hy  fresh  reenliprccments.  It  was  also  ascertained  at 
this  time,  that  (ieneral  Lincoln,  after  his  last  expedition,  had 
hroii;:]it  in  thirteen  hundred  lu'w  men.  The  lack  of  foraj^e  WiW 
Krst  felt  in  the  Knj.dish  army  ;  and  its  ficneral  soon  found  him- 
self (ildiged,  on  the  Itdth.  to  send  out  a  forajj;iuj;  party  of  two 
hundred  and  lifty  men  with  a  si.x-pouuder.  under  .Majiv  Von 
Lueke.  They  foraiicd  on  the  other  side  of  the  Hudson,  lichiud 
the  left  winj;-.  and  were  not  troubled  in  the  least  by  the  oiieiny. 
()u  the  same  day.  a  courier,  sent  by  Colonel  St.  lie}:;er,  ar- 
rive(l  from  Ticonderoiiti.  He  had  been  oblitfed  to  make  his 
way  throu;rh  the  woods  in  (U'der  to  elude  the  vigilance  of  the 
many  war  i)arties  of  the  enemy.  'I'he  colonel  wrote  that  he 
W(udd  start  on  his  march  to  the  army  in  a  few  days  ;  that  the 
JJrunswiek  recruits  had  arrivcil  at  Ticoiideropi ;  and  that 
]{rif:adier  Powell  was  thinkint;'  of  retainint;'  them  as  a  reenforce- 
uieut  of  that  j;arrisou.  His  report  in  rej^ard  to  the  expedition 
of  the  enemy  under  (Ieneral  liiiicoln.  aj^i'eed  perfectly  with  the 
story  of  Cornet  (iraef.  The  four  companies,  which  had  been 
cajitiired.  were  the  same  who  bad  defended  the  new  road. 
Powell  bad  learned  the  fact  of  their  capture  oidy  two  days 
afterwards,  when    liin<'olu.  with  the  cannon  which   he  had  cup- 


1^  t' -  ■: 


/.v  nil-:  A^f/■:ltrr.^x  iifvou-tiox. 


If)!) 


turcd.  tiri'd  iipun  tlic  loj;  licnist!  and  disjilaycd  the  {hiring 
courajic  (if  nianliing  in  fnmt  (if  torts  Curiiion  and  Indoiinndcnco 
and  suninidnini:  tiic  (•(ininiandcrs  td  surrcndfr.  This  (h'niaiid 
bfinff  ri'fuscd.  lie  nia(h'  fdur  (liflurcnt  assaults  (in  as  many 
difll'ront  days;  hut  all  proving  abortivi'  ho  inan.hi'd  off.  On 
his  ri'trcat.  he  attcuijitt'd  to  cajiturc  Diamond  island  '  in  Lako 
(icorgv.  liuf  hoinir  hravcly  rcci-ived  hy  the  commander.  Captain 
Obry  of  the  47th,  \\v  was  fompi-Ui'd  to  mako  a  prccipitatt; 
retreat  having  lost  aliout  sixty  men  in  killed  and  wmnidi'd. 
Captain  Obry  pursued,  and  reeaptured  the  ship  and  bateau. 

.\s  we  have  before  mentioned.  IJurgoyne  sent  patrols  from 
the  left  wing  to  tiie  rear  of  the  .Vmerieans  for  the  purpose  of 
ascertaining  their  position.  The  Americans  did  the  same  thing. 
They  sent  patrols  around  the  right  wing  of  the  English,  and 
even  had  the  audacity  to  come  up  close  behind  the  head  (piarters 
in  tlu' centre.  On  the  1st  of  October,  a  lew  Kiiglish  soldiers, 
who  were  digging  potatoes  in  a  field  live  hundred  paces  in  the 
rear  of  head  (piarters,  were  suddenly  surprised  by  the  enemy, 
who  suddenly  issued  from  the  woods  and  carried  ott'  the  men  in 
the  very  faces  of  their  comrades.  jMir  these  sillies  the  .Vmeri- 
eans also  generally  cmjiloyed  Indians  who  were  called  Stock- 
bridges.  .Many  .soldiers  di.sippeared  in  this  manner  whenever 
they  dared  go  beyoiid  the  line  (jf  guards  to  procure  food  or 
other  necessaries  i'rom  the  inhabitants  of  the  neighborhood. 
In  order  to  guard  against  this.  Itiedesel  issued  the  strictest 
orders  to  the  (iermans  never  to  go  bcyoiul  the  line  of  outpo.sts 
without  special  permission.  I'atrols  of  dragoons  were  also 
detached  to  ride  over  the  roads  in  the  rear  of  the  army  and 
arrest  every  man  whom  they  should  find.  l''or  the  safety  of  the 
head  ((uarters.  moreover,  some  fortitications  were  thrown  up 
and  several  of  the  outjio.-^ts  pushed  farther  into  the  woods. 

Nothing  as  yet  being  known  respecting  the  position  of  the 


w 


'  It  will  be  remembered  that  thin  island  had  been  umde  ii  iniifjiiziuu  fur  the  litores 
etc.,  ur  the  British  army.    See  u  few  pages  baclc. 


100 


MA./on  (iKXiaiAI.  ItlEDKSEL 


(Micuiy.  the  occasion  of  tlio  return  of  Cornet  fJriiof  into  the 
American  caniii  was  made  use  of  i'or  tliis  ]uir|iose.  Accordinji' 
to  custom  lu'  was  accompanied  liy  an  oflicer  as  i'ar  as  tlic  out- 
posts of  tiie  enemy.  ('a])tain  (ierlacli  was  the  one  selected  for 
this  mission,  and  he  did  his  best  to  find  out  soniethin<;  ahout 
tiio  Anu'ricans.  Ife  arrivi'd  unmoU'sted  in  front  of  tlu'ir  out- 
posts, hut  gained  nothing;-  whatever,  as  a  dense  wood  iirevented 
him  from  seeinji-  anytliinj;'.  lie,  therefore,  returned  witliout 
accompiisliinj;'  liis  o))ject,  aUhouj;!!  he  had  hei-n  two  thousand 
paces  beyond  the  outposts  of  the  Kiifilish.  The  same  (hiy 
(Joneral  Hiedese!  went  out  on  a  reconnoiterin^'  expedition  with 
tiiu  yiigers.  His  intention  was  to  explore  the  course  (tf  the 
ditch,  and  he  did  succeed  in  yaininfi  the  other  sich' ;  but  the 
bank  was  so  steep  and  covered  witli  such  dense  tliickets  that 
nobody  could  get  through,  and  h.e  also  was  forced  to  return 
without  having  accomplished  his  purpose. 

-Meanwhile  IJurgoyne  still  kejit  the  men  at  work  on  the 
fortifications.  On  the  morning  of  the  4th  of  October,  the  47th 
was  ordered  to  throw  up  a  new  lino  of  embankments  toward 
bridge  No.  1.  The  pontoons  were  defended  by  the  sailors  who 
were  daily  drilled  for  the  purpose.  There  were  now  only  suffi- 
cient rations  for  sixteen  days;  and  foraging  parties,  necessarily 
composed  of  a  large  number  of  men,  were  sent  out  every  day.  At 
length  (icneral  IJurgoync  found  himself  obliged  to  cut  down  the 
daily  rations  from  a  pound  and  a  half  of  bread,  and  the  same 
(juantity  of  meat,  to  a  pound  of  bread  and  a  pound  of  meat; 
and,  as  he  liad  heard  nothing  either  of  Howe  or  Clinton,  not- 
withstanding the  former's  promise  to  send  word  in  the  course 
of  eight  days,  he  began  to  be  seriously  alarmed.  In  the  eve- 
ning of  the  4th  lie  had  a  conference  with  the  generals,  Phillips, 
Kiedesel  and  Fruser,  in  respect  to  future  operations.  The 
subjects  of  consultation  were  the  strength  of  the  enemy,  who 
outnumbered  him  four  to  one,  his  ignoraiu.'e  of  their  position, 
the  lateness  of  the  season,  the  scarcity  of  provisions,  and  the 
nonreception  of  intelligence  from  General  Clinton.      Several 


IX  Tiif:  .wKiiicw  hkvou't/ox. 


161 


plans  \v(Mv  i)n.]),,scMl  hy  liii,,  ),y  wliidi  lio  lin|».,l  to  cxtricMd" 
hiniscir  tV.iiii  tlicsi'  (liHiciiltics.  ||m  id,.;,  was  us  Coll,, ws  :  To 
surrouiiil  tho  loft  flank  (.f  tli(!  uiuuny  ;  an<I.  after  Icavin-  cinht 
luiiulrud  men  tor  tliu  aefiiiiso  of  tlio  <irom„l  ln'twccri  ImmiI^^os 
NoH.  1  and  2,  endeavor  to  <ret  in  its  roar.  Tiiis  ],n.position 
cansud  finisidonibit!  ('(.ntrovfrsy  ;  for  the  (|ucstion  arose  wlu'tlicr 
eight  liundrod  unm  would  l)f  suflicivnt  for  tlie  purpose  assiuned 
them.  The  safety  "f  tlie  whole  army  depended  upon  tliis  ;  for 
if  tliis  foree  should  he  beaten  and  tlie  hridf;es  in  its  rear 
taken,  then  the  entire  army  w(Mild  he  eompletely  eut  ofl';  and 
even  if  this  detaehmont  lield  its  jiTouud  the  position  miuht  still 
be  lost  —  sinee,  as  three  or  four  days  were  neees.xary  to  jiet 
round  thnnijih  the-w.M.ds  and  pathless  thiekets.  the  enemy 
would  have  ahundanei!  of  time  to  mass  his  fm-ee  on  this  spot, 
when  he  would,  in  all  probability.  eai)ture  the  men  and  de.-^troy 
the  two  bridges — the  only  means  of  retreat.  Such  a  hazard- 
ous undertaking  must  be  thoroughly  eonsidered ;  aiTd  it  was, 
theref(U-e,  agreed  to  ins]ieet  earefully  on  the  next  day  the  forti- 
fications in  that  place,  and  the  surrounding  country. 

During  the  night  of  the  5th,  the  picket.s  were  again  attacked, 
and  one-half  of  the  troo|,s  of  the  left  wing  remained  under 
arms. 

On  the  morning  of  the  foUowiiig  day.  the  generals,  in  eonse- 
i|uenc'e  of  yesterday's  consultiition.  rode  to  the  designated  spot. 
Here  they  found  consideralile  fault,  both  in  regard  to  the 
uumner  in  whieh  the  fortifieations  had  been  loeated.  and  the 
place  cho.sen  for  the  artillery  and  supply  trains.  Three  of  the 
fortifieations  not  only  were  built  too  large,  but  were  not  pro- 
portionately adapted  for  defense,  since,  it  being  impossible  for 
their  guns  to  reach  the  valleys  between  the  hills,  the  enemv 
could  debouch  from  the  woods  on  to  the  ground  without  bein;; 
oldiged  to  take  the  batteries  on  the  heights.  The  geru'rals  met 
again  in  the  evening  of  the  .sime  day  to  continue  their  eonsulta- 
tions.  General  Uiedesel  suggested  that  if  it  were  impossible  i 
get  in  the  enemy's  rear  in  one  day.  it  would  be  ni(u-e  advisable 
21 


WW 


M\: 


MA.Kiit  (n:\h:ii.\h  uikdkskl 


to  I't'civ PCS  tlif  lliidsiiii.  iiimI  iitrain  (icciiipy  tlicir  old  ])iisitiiin 
licliiiiil  tlu^  liiillciikill.  'I'liiis.  iKit  (iiilv  wiiiild  till'  ciiiiiiiiuiiii'a- 
tiiiii  with  liiikc  (l('iir;_r,.  )|(.  retrained.  Init  tlic  iirriviil  id' ('liiitiin's 
ariiiv  IVmii  the  smitli  cuiild  lir  Hid'idy  iiwaiti'd.  Tin-  utlu-r 
f:('iii'i'als  wcri!  also  in  favor  of  tliis  sii^;ifstinii  ;  lnit  i5iir^:o_viit', 
rcjiiirdiii;;'  a  rt-troirraih!  iiiovciiit'iit  as  dis;^rai'('t'iil.  at  Krst  would 
not  licar  to  it.  Suhse((iu,'iitly.  Imwcvur.  lie  said  tliat  on  tlu'Tth, 
he  woidd  uiidi'i'tako  anotliiT  ^rcat  rcconiioiti'rinji'  I'Xpi'ditioii 
ajrainst  tin-  I'lioiny's  left  wiii^',  to  ascertain  didiiiitcl}- liis  jiositioii, 
and  wlu'thor  it  would  bo  advisa))l('  to  attack  ]iini.  Should  tho 
latter  be  \.\w  case,  he  intended  to  advance  on  the  eiuMny  on  the 
8th  with  his  entire  army  ;  ))ut  if  he  should  not  tliink  an  attack 
advisable,  then  he  would,  on  the  11th,  march  back  to  the  Hat- 
toiikill. 

On  the  Gth.  a  force  of  Americans,  numberinji'  five  U\  si.\ 
hiiinlred  men.  ajrain  attacked  the  entire  liiu'  of  iiut|)osts.  driviuf^ 
back  tho.se  ol'  them  that  were  farthest  advanced.  At  first  only 
small  detachments  were  sent  to  their  sn|)jiort  as  llnir  assailants 
soon  retreated.  The  latter  were  pursued  by  a  party  of  Indians 
and  provincials  )ip  to  the  very  j)icki'ts  of  the  enemy,  the  fir.st  of 
which  were  driven  in.  T!  ?  Indians  advanced  as  far  as  a  few 
sheds,  which  they  fired.  A  little  distance  beyond  these  shed.s 
was  a  huu.se,  in  which,  at  this  time,  there  happened  to  be  a  few 
American  frctierals.  who.  hearin;^'  the  ajiproachinir  commotion, 
hastily  mounted  their  horses  and  ijuickly  jialloped  off.  .V  few 
of  the  Indians,  wiio  bad  approached  nearest  the  house,  sent  a 
few  bullets  after  tliem.  ont!  of  which  wounded  one  of  the  ofticers. 
The  house  was  then  set  on  fire.  In  this  skirmish,  several  wi-re 
wounded  on  both  sides,  and  four  prisoners  were  taken  by  tho 
Kn-lish. 

.\t  ten  o'clock  in  the  morninji-  of  the  7th.  rations  and  liijunr 
for  four  days  liavinu  been  previously  issiu'd  to  the  army.  (Jeneral 
lJurj:oyne.  with  fifteen  liundred  men  and  eij;ht  cannon,  started 
on  his  reeonnoiterinu'  t'xpi'dition,  accomjianied  by  (ienerals  ified- 
esel.  IMiillips  and   Fraser.     The  troops,  on  this  occasion,  were 


i\  riih:  .\Mh:i!iv.\\  niivoij  rius. 


Km 


taki'ii  tViMii  ;ill  (lie  rci^iiiicnls  cxci'iit  tin'  ITtli.  All  llic  lii<liiiiis 
(inii)  liuiiiln'il  tiiiil  t'i;.'lit_v )  and  the  curiis  nl'  jirciviiiciiil.'*  cnisscd 

tin-   ri^'lil    flank    in    a    larnc   circuit   tlii'oii^'li  tlic  w is.     'I'lii^ 

(Ictacliiiiciit  itHclC.  (lividcil  into  three  coliiiims.  advaiiccil  tnwanl 
the  rif!;lit  to  within  a  i|iiartcr  ofan  Imur's  niardi  ol'  the  eneniy's 
t'iini|i.  The  first  |iieket.  which  was  met  near  \\'aisser's  hniise. 
was  driven  in,  and  the  eniinence.  itn  which  it  had  stmid.  oceiijiied. 
The  Hritish  were  then  placed  in  siudi  a  pnsition.  that  the  snialliiess 
of  their  nundier  was  ciincealed  as  much  as  [lossihie.  In  this  situa- 
tion they  remained  jiir  an  hour  and  a  half.  <lurin^'  which  interval 
the  generals  cmisultcd  toj^cther  as  to  the  manner  in  whiidi  the 
recoiinoissanee  should  iMM'iintinued.  Toward  thri'c  in  the  after- 
noon, the  yiip'rs  discovere(l  near  a  house,  that  lay  a  little  way 
in  advance  anil  was  sejiarateil  from  them  liyaditch.a  small  hody 
of  the  Americans.  The  latter,  howevt'r,  ^rew  stronger  and 
stronjrer  ;  and  Hur>?oyne.  supposing'  tlu^y  meant  to  oppose  his 
further  advance,  fireil  his  two  twelve-|ioiinders  at  them  several 
tiiiies.  but  witlnuit  producinj:-  the  le;ist  etl'e<'t.  On  the  contrary. 
they  continueil  to  increase  in  nundiers.  Finally,  at  four  in  tlu; 
iifternooii.  they  attacked  his  left  winii'  with  Linsit  spirit,  .soon 
forciufi  the  Knjriish  ^'roiiadiers.  who  were  stationed  in  the  woods 
at  this  point,  to  retreat.  They  next  threw  their  entire  force 
upon  the  centre,  which  was  commanded  l>y  Lieutenant  Colonel 
8peeht.  and  consisted  of  three  hundred  men.  Hut  even  then. 
Speeht.  who  had  already  withstood  the  attack  for  a  lonji  time, 
would  have  maintained  his  ^numd.  had  not  Lord  Halcarras  been 
called  back  through  a  misunderstamlint;.  His  flanks,  however, 
wcri!  now  e.xjiosed  —  the  enemy  wert^  on  his  sides  and  front  — 
and  to  avoid  beiiiii  cut  oft',  he  was  obliged  to  retreat.'     This  ho 


'  Tlu'  lU'i'oiint  of  this  piirlii>n  dIIIic  iiclicin  i:<  iiiiicli  I'iiIIitiukI  cli'aii'i'in  llif  Aii.ri/i- 
a  I'll  11 ;  and,  ii^  cacli  iiccduiit  is  tlic  cciinpli'iniiil  of  tin'  (itliir.  anil  sluiulil  !»'  rcail 
to;;rlli«'i' lor  a  I'lill  iimli'istaniliiii;  1)1' till'  liaiilf.  the  one  in  \\\v  An-rilifiriix  is  hrrt: 
(riven : 

"At  four  o'clock  in  tlic  artcrnoon  tlic  .\nici'iians  allackcii  tlic  Idl  wiiii.'.  com- 
posed of  the  liri'iiailicrs  iinilci'  coniinand  of  .Majoi'  .\ckland.  who  were  posted 
in  the  Hood,  with  »iich  rt'solmion,  that  llicy  were  oblijjcd  lo  give  jjroiind.    Lieu- 


M' 


WT 


1(14 


M.Uiill  a  f.W /■://. i/.  IIIUDESKL 


iic('i>iii|ilislii'il  ill  uiMiil  Hi'di  r.  Till'  Aiiici'iriitiH  iiiiw  iiilviini-cd  with 
iimrc  vcliciiicnrt'  iiinl  in  izi'i'iifiT  iiiiiiiIm'I'm  ;  iinil  llii'  ilctacliim^nt 
wiiM  iiciiilv  >*iinniiiiilc(l  wlicii  Hui'iiciyiic  (Ictcniiiiii'il  til  rctrdiit 
to  tli(^  ^rrciit  ri'ilmilit  '  mi  tlic  ri;;lit  win;;.  Sciirct'ly  wmm  this 
|iiiiiit  i'i'iicIumI.  wIicm  till-  ciiciiiv  iittiK'kcii  it  with  tho  stum>  vi<;iir 
tlii'V  Inn!  Iiithi'i-ti)  .xlmwii,  liiit  withmil  siicccss.  Aimthcr  Imily 
at    the  !<iinii'  tinio  iittiirkcii    the   onihiiiikiiK'iits  ni'   liro^iiiann'M 


Ipiinnt  foldiu'l  Spcclil,  wIid  hIoixI  In  tlic  iciitl'i'  ol'llir  line  wllli  tliri'c  liiiiulri'd  flor- 
limiiH,  and  hIkiht  Icll  Hank  wax  ('xpiiHccI  liy  tin'  rrlniitlni;  (if  llir  u'li'iiiiiUcrr'.  nrilrri'd 
tlu'  lw<i  ri7;liii('iilK  lit'  Hlicl/.  anil  IIc^hi'  llanaii  In  rnrin  a  ciirvi' :  anil,  Kii|i|iiii'ti'il  by 
tlic  ai'lllU'iy.  Ill'  tliiiH  ciivi'i'i'il  Ills  Hank  wlilrli  na"  In  Iniinlncnt  ilant.'i'r.  Ilr  nialii- 
taliiril  liliiiiTir  liiii^'  anil  liravi'ly  In  IIiIm  pri'iai'liiiiM  |iiiHliliin,  ami  wiiulil  liavi'  kIoikI 
IiIk  L'riinnil  kIIII  lini^'cr,  liail  liv  mil  lici'ii  r-i'paratiil  IVnni  tin'  i'li.'lil  wliii;.  iimlcr  l.iiril 
llaliairaH,  In  ciinHi'qm'mi'  nl  llir  lallcr  liclm,'  iiiirspi  rlrillv  iiiininamlcil  In  liikr  up 
aiiiillirr  pii:-llliin  with  hl^  lli.'lil  Infanlrj.  Tliiix  Spi  rlilV  rl;.'lil  Hank  waH  a^  nimli 
uxpoHcil  a"  \\\*  li'I't.  Till'  liniiil  nl'llir  arllini  mi\\  I'  II  iiiliirlv  nil  tin'  (•rnnaiiH.  who 
liail  In  Hiii'iain  alniic  llic  liii|H'liinur'  iiidtI.  Tlir  ball.-'  Htnick  ullbin  Ibi'lr  llni"*  t'lnm 
tlirci'  illll'i'ri'nl  mkIi't*.  TIii'  Ibii'i'  raplaliiH,  Kiiibrxilnil'.  (ili'Uinbi'rj;,  Dalil^tiona, 
anil  KiifiHii  (ii'.vlliiL'  nl'  IIi'i-m'  llanau  Icll  ilanyLrniiHly  wniimliil.  The  two  canniinn 
of  lli'f^r  llanau  wrri'  takrli  by  Ilic  rni'iny. 

"  IlriiTHilli'i'  (iriirral  Kiacer.  uliii.  iinlil  llii'ii.  hail  bcni  Hlatliini'il  iniiri;  tiitlii'  rlfhl, 
with  nnrliair  nf  llic  Kn^>ll>h  ;.'i'i'nailli'i>.  llir  IIl'IiI  iiilanlry  ami  Ihc  ^Mh  l<i';.'iim'nt, 
pt'l'rrlvril  In  wliat  ilan;.'i'i'llir  iriilrr  \\\\>.  ami  bni'i'Iril  nii  In  \{r  HUrriir  u  lib  I  hi'  '^Itll 
lU';;imi'nl.  lint  Minrily  bail  br  appianil  nil  Ibr  mi'Iii'  nf  arlinii,  H hi'ii  hi'  «a» 
nini'lally  \Miiinili'il  by  a  ritli'  ball.  Ilr  Hiiiik  ilnwii  I'lnin  liU  hni'Ki.  ami  wax  bnini! 
away  Irniii  llir  llrlil.  'I'ln'riMipiin  Majnl'  Kni'slcr  Innk  llir  I'nniinaml  nf  l''ra»'i'i''H 
tinnpH.  but  an  be  wan  n*  yrl  Kcparatril  frniii  the  ri'iill'i',  Ilr,  Inn,  waHiliaijiril  In  trniil 
anil  nil  bin  twn  tbiiikr'.  IIi'IiImi  wax  cNpnsi'il  In  the  nini>t;,'iilltii^'tlri',  till  at  luxt  Hnr- 
(riiync  j,'avi'  thi'  nriU'rtn  ivtirat  to  tlii'  \in'n\  ii'dniibt." 

'I'lii'  jrri'iiadli'rr',  nndrr  Arklanil.  wrri'  i-lalinni'd  a  I'l'H-  yurilc  In  tliu  left,  and  ut  tlie 
fnnt  nf  an  riniiK'ncr  iinw  iIki'mi  invcri'd  by  an  nrchiiril,  abnnt  two  inils  i'iihI  of  the 
load  Iradliiir  fi'mn  (^naki'i-  bpiin;;s  In  Stlllwali'r,  and  twi'iily  rodn  i-niillirai-t  of  the 
hniisi'iiiiw  (l.sliTi  n(cii|iiril  by  .Iiiscph  ItnyiT!*.  Till'  (ii'iniHiiK  — wlin  Wl'rl'tlll'Cl•llll'e— 
lllull'l•Sp^'^■lll,alllltll('(■anllnnsoflIt•r'^('  llanau.  wi'irpiifli'ilnn  tnpoflhl!<i'nilni'm'i! — 
whiTc' i«  now  the  mrliaid.  TbiiH  tlic  ^ricnadlci's,  under  .\cklaiiil.  were  to  llic  left 
nf  the  (icnnaiiH.  It  wax  here,  Ihcrcl'nrc.  on  the  Iniinf  llii'cinim'mc,  that  the  linttcct 
jiart  nf  the  tirsi  nf  thin  baltlc  wan  foiiu'lit.  anil  where  .\ckland  wa*  wnnndcil.  Krnect 
wai*  fliol  midway  bclHccn  the  orihard  and  linycrs'H  Iiiimsc.  A  basn-wond  tree  now 
mark'!  the  xpot.  Thi!'  Ine  Is  a  shnnt  ni:l  nf  Ihe  stump  nf  the  tree  that  stonil  at  tliu 
time  wheie  Kiaser  tell. 

'This  rednillil  was  tbree  mils  sniilli  nf  the  present  barnyard  nf  .Mr.  Kbenczcr 
l.c^'1,'1'11.  wlinsebnnse  —as  nienlinned  In  a  piecedlnu'iinle  —  stands  nn  the  old  clcar- 
iiif;  nf  Krceiiian,  the  site  nf  the  llrsi  lU'tinn  of  tbe  liilli  nf  Seplemlier.  Halls  and 
►ikclclnns  arc  still  picked  iipnii  Ibis  sjiol.  I  myself,  this  siiinincr  (IstiTl  picked  up 
fuur  grape  shot  uii  the  site  nf  the  redoubt. 


75 


/.v  nil-:  .\.\ii:i!ii-.\\  nHVoi.rriny. 


\m 


(livisiciii  ill  I'riiiit  '  mikI  (Hi  tlic  Icl'l  fltiiik.  'I'lir  L;rcii,iilifi'>  cini]- 
|piisiiii.'  tliis  Cdriis,  limnlit  lirnvcly.  Imt  liciiii;  (inly  twcp  IiiiikIii'iI 
(^tniiii:'.  :iii<l  their  citiiiiiiaiiilcr  — tlii'  cliivjilric  Hn<yiiianii — liciiij; 
sliiif  (lead,  flicy  wore  i'c>iii])('lltMl  to  rftrvat.  Tliis  latter  inisi'iir- 
tiilie  was  (iwiim  tu  the  t'ai-t  that  the  ( 'aiiailiaii  eiiiii|iaiiii's.  helniio-. 
iiiu  ti)  tile  reeiiiiniiiterini;  e.\|MMlitiiiii.  were  ahseiit  t'niiii  tiieir  |iiaoi'. 
hy  (he  side  of  fliis  curiis,  jiart  nf  liiem  lieinji  in  tlie  i^reat  ri'ilmiht . 
and  the  citliei'.-  not  haviiiu'  retiinied  \<\  tlieir  ]Misiticin.  Had  they 
lieeii  in  their  |ila<'es.  it  wiridd  liave  lieen  ini]iii-sihh'  tn  -unmiiid 
tlie  h'I't  flank  lA'  IJreyniann.  S|ie(dit,  eipiniiii;-  up  at  this  iiiinnent. 
endeavin-e(l  in  retake  the  eiitreiiehinellts  <a]itlired  hy  liie  Anie- 
rieaiis;  hut.  niulit  interveiiiiii;.  lie  imt  indy  tailed  In  aceiiiii]ilish 
this,  liiil  in  the  v;eiieral  eniifnsiuii.  was  taken  pris.iiier  alniii:' 
with  a  lew  other  oHieers.  ,\s  sooii  as  it  ;:rew  <lai'k.  the  enemy 
(h'-isted  fioiii  their  allaek  ilpon  the  rorlitiealions  ami  retreate<l. 
ill  this  action,  ooth  (ieneral  Aiiiold  and  (leiieral  l'"raser  were  "] 
.severely  wcnimh''.  There  were  also  heavy  losse-  iijioii  liotil  "^ 
sides.  The  eaniioii.  with  the  exeejitioii  of  two  howitzers,  fell 
into  the  hands  ot'  the  .Vmerieans;  also  the  six-|iouiiders  whiidi 
were  in  the  iiitreiiehmeiiis  of  IJreMiiann. 

(Ieneral     i!iir;:-.iy iie.    lia\inu    now     re>olved    to    retreat    lo    ill" 

I  Tliv  Inii'r-  111'  jin  yniMiiii'-  iiilnn  liiin'iil-  mr  \r\  ici  ii.'  -I'l-ri  \  cry  pl.'iiijly.  'I'hry 
lir  iilMiiil  Iwi'hiy  ni(|.  111)1-1  li«i'-l  111  .Ml-,  l.i'L'i.'i'n'>  hiiii-i'.  'I'lii-  pliu-r  I-  i-li-\ii|i-i| 
niii>iil(-iillily  l)y  iiutiii-i',  1111(1  i"  kiiowii  aiiuiliL'  lln-  ^al-llll■l•^  in  llio  vli-iiilly  a*  liiir- 
(.'iiyiicV  liill.  This,  ji'iwi-vi'i-,  h  a  iiiUiinir.i-i'.  l'n)|M'Hy.  il  I"  lln-yiiiaiiiiV  liill.  Il 
WH»  al  llu-  iiorlliwi'-i  i-iirniTdl'  llii'  c'luiiu-iM-i'  .n,.'    ini.,lil  wa>  wuiinilccl. 

II  will  l>r  M-i-ii  11-11111  ilii«  ai-i-miiil  iif  (111- a  ii.iiiil'i  -liiliri- Till  Hliiili  i«  iiiaili- up 
rlilii-rly  lit  l{ir(l',--i'r«  iiwii  jiuinial  llial  tin-  iiaiiir  "  liallli-  of  lltiii',s\  ln-iirliN  " 
wliii-li  lia-  liiihri-iioilMaiiii-cl  Hlii-ii(li->L'iiaoM.  I'ir»fi-iii'iil'arliiiii.  i-i-iilin-ly  i-ri'iiiu'- 
nils,  ami  i-.-ili-ulali(l  luM-riiiii-ly  nii>li  i  •'  'I'  -  lli-s:  ai-limi.  mi  lln-  I'.illi  nrSipti'inliri'. 
was  -  as  is  wi'll  kmiHii  Iiuil'IiI  dm  l-'i-ri  i.iaii'-  I'anii.  lint,  w  itli  a  I'lw  i'\>-i  ptioiis. 
il  lias  alwiiys  lii-i'ii  snpposoil.  rvrii  hy  llu-  m-l  iiirinini-d  wiilc-is  mi  the  siiliji-ri. 
Ilial  I  ill-  siTDiKJ  lialtli'iirihr  11  h  dfOi-lnln'i-.  was  rmi^'lil  mi.nr  at  I  he  liasrul'  lliinh'n 
liiiiihlK.  'I'lii'  miL'iiial  iii.-ips  nl  iliis  ai-timi.  hinM-M-r.  a«  mil  as  KiiMli-si-l's  juiiiiial 
sliMW,  that  llii-  ai-iimi  hi-;,'aii  mi  Lrnimul  ahniit  Iwii  hiinilri-il  nicls  siiiitliwcsi  nl' the 
sill' 111  llii' lli-s|  lialtli-al  Ki-i'i-nian's  ranii.  ami  i-iicli-il  nil  \\w  xniin  ■-'nminlmi  wliii-li 
till-  lli-st  ai-tliii!  was  liMiirlit.  'riiu-  lti-niis'~  lniirlits  is  I'lilly  iim-  iiiili-anil  a  half -i. nth 
iil'llii-  liiiltlr  i.'1-iiiitiil.  Ill  I'ai-t.  all  till-  iiiti-n  -t  that  altai-ln-  tn  thr-i-  lic-iL'hl-  i-.  that 
lliey  wi-rr  llu-  ln-ail  i|uait'r-  nf  lirm-ral  (iati-s  iliii-iii;.',  ami  a  sliml  liiiu-  pn-v  imi-  m 
till'  iii'tiiiii. 


KiC. 


MA.iiii!  I i i:\FHM.  i!ii:i)i:sFr. 


Ii.illfiikill.  Ii;i(ltlii'  ti'iils  Inkiii  iliiwiMliirinir  tlu' iiiL;lil  iis  (|iii('tly 
a«  ]iii!»siiil('.  till'  wlicilc  .iiiny  nn'Miiwliilr  rcniiiiiiiiii;  iiiiilcr  iinii>. 
On  till' i'lilliiwiiii;  iiioiniiii;  (tlw  Sdi )  dn' aniiy  left  its  t'oi'titii'il 
rinii|i  lii'turi'  ihivliiTiik.  :iiitl  iii.'irclii'il  tiiwanl  tlic  unnmd  lii'twci'ii 
liridfit's  Nd?'.  I  anil  li.  in  di'ilrr  tn  i-hVit  tlic  train  ami  liiis|iital. 
TIic  |iii'ki'ts  licliinil  their  ri'Siicctivi'  liriuaili's  t'ornii'il  llu'  rear 
j;iianl  until  tlii'  aiiprrai'li  of  ilay  whfM  tlu'v  rcjoincil  flu'ir 
si'vt'val  ri'^inii'nts.  Si'ai'i' "ly  liail  tlii'  i)ni]M)sts  left  their  stations 
wliiii  llie  Anierieans.  iii'en]'vini;  tluni.  threaleni'il  t(i  attaek  iht! 
arni'  i|i  its  new  jinsidon.  The  latter  was.  nt'  eiuirsi'.  iihlijied  to 
n  aiain  until  the  ile|iartuie  nf  the  teams,  ami  es]ieeially  the 
hnS|iital.    whieh.    niherwise.    >V(iuliI     liave     Keen     eX|MPSeil     t(p    the 

enemy's  tire.  The  wiinie  nt'  the  ilay  was  iinii|iieil  hy  these 
|ire]iaraliiins  tor  liie  march,  all  of  whieh  were  aeeom|iiisheil 
uniler  the  tire  of  the  .\merie:ins.  The  ont|iosts  were  cniise- 
(|Uently  kejil  eii;iai;e(l  witli  the  enemy,  ami  the  eainmn.-  eun- 
tinnally  lireij  to  |ii'e\eni  the  laiti  rV  aihanee. 

'!"o  |iri'vent  the  army  heinu molested  in  (he  rear.  l>uri;oyne.  at 
twelve  M..  Sent  Lieulenaut  Coloml  Southerlaml  with  (he  !lth 
and  ITlii.  Inwanl  Sword>'s  hou>e  ;  ihe  liiiht  troops,  hitherto 
statiiined  tiiere.  |ireeedini;  the  main  Imdy  to  reeiiiiiioitre  the 
roads.  .\>  >oiin  as  it  had  urowii  dark,  the  imntocms  were 
(|uielly  taken  U|i;  and  at  ten  o'elnek.  the  advame  i;uaril.  led 
hy  Itiedesel.  lpei:an  ils  mareii.  Its  remh/\  ous  was  mar  Swords's 
house,  whenee  il  niarehed  in  the  I'oUdW  ini;  order:  '{'he  Indians 
and  lU'oviniials,  under  ('aptains  {'"raserand  .^ll•Kay.the  extreme 
van  ;  then  eanie  the  ISrunswiekers  and  the  liuht  hatlalion  ; 
then  the  two  l'!nL:li»li  re'.^iMienl>  under  LieulenanI  Colonel 
Southerlaml;  then  the  heavy  artillerv  and  .ill  the  teams  of  the 
army;  last  cd'  all  (ieneral  IJuruoyne  with  the  rest  oj'  the  army 
in  two  eoliiinns.  The  ( lei'Uians  were  eonseijUently  ahead,  ami 
Lord  Malearras.  witli  the  l-lnulish  reuinients.  in  tin'  rear.  The 
iialeau.x.  with  the  remainiuL;  stores,  liillnweil  the  main  liodv  on 
the  rii;ht  hank  ol'llu'  Hudson.  As  it  was  im|io»ihle.  with  the 
laek   of  trans|icu'tation.  to  take  along  the   ho.>|iital.   nuinhering 


/.v  Tin:  .i.i//-.7.'/rM.v  hfv''."  ri"S. 


1(57 


liver  i'i;:lit  liiiiulri'il  sick  iiinl  wnuinliil.  niiil  it  lii'iiiL'  I'ljiialiy 
ilitlicult  III  ik't't'ii(l  sii  liirit;  :i  liiii'  nt'  iii.ncli.  tlicsc  iiiirnrtiin.'itcs 
liail  III  111'  Icl't  to  tlie  iiia^iiiiiiiiiiity  nt'  tlic  I'nciny.  Itiictnr  llcss 
ri'iiiiiiiu'd  witli  tlii'iii,  iiiiil  a  letter  ut'  recniiiiiiiiMlMtiiiii  was  uiveii 
him  In  (leiieral  dates. 

Duriiii:  tlie  time  tiiat  tiie  army  was  lyiiii:  in  liie  eam|i  at 
Fret'lnaii's  I'arin.  Mrs.  (leiieral  iiieilesel  neeiliiieil  a  little  limise 
aliiiiit  ail  liiiiir's  iiiareli  lieliiiid  tlie  army.  She  was  aeciistnmed 
to  visit  her  Inishaiul  every  iiinrniiiu  at  tlie  camii  tn  imniirt^ 
alter  his  health.  Smiielimes  he  came  ii\  er.  aeeiim|iaiiiiil  liy  a 
tew  (irtieers.  and  tmik  dinner  with  her.  .\s  the  seasmi  had 
bi'ciillie  nicve  illeleinelit.  a  hmise  twenty  I'eet  sijuare.  made  iif 
loirs,  tilled  in  with  elay.  was  liiiilt  liir  .^lrs.  itiedesel.  It  was 
ealled  the  Hluck  house,  and  was  situated  very  iir.ir  her 
hushand's  eaiiiii.'  She  was  to  have  moved  into  ii  the  very  day 
tl;,i,     ;'.e  army  lieiran  the  retreat. 

it  w  ,s  three  o'eloek  in  the  al'teriioon  when  tJeiieral  l''r,iser. 
mortally  wounded,  was  liroii'ilii  up  IVom  tiie  lirM  on  a  ciunisy 
litter  into  tin;  house,  where  .^jl■s.  lliedesel,  in  ;:reat  aiiiruish, 
awaited  the  termination  ofexeiits.  The  jiine  lalile  wa--  ^uiekly 
eh'tired  otl'ain'  eanied  out  of  the  rooii).  its  |ilaee  lirini;  sii|i|ilieil 
liy  a  lied  on  wliieii  the  woundiil  man  w.i-  laid.  Ama/.ini; 
ehanuc  I  ( )ii  the  ver\  spot  wlhie  tiie  unl'orl  iinati  general  was 
to  have  sat  and  jiartakeii  of  the  joyous  meal,  was  now  his  death 


'  Tills  lilcick  Imunr  was  sliiiuiliiL'  M::iii  wiilliii  Ilic  la>l  Iwriily  yi'Uls  iiIkiiH  liiillvMiy 
lii'luirii  WllhiirV  Imslluiliil  lli'inls'-'  liii;;lils.  Il  «iis  Imlll  attir  Ilir  ii  ■:;iili;i-  iiiciilil 
111' 11  lilmk  liiiiiM'  Willi  Iln'  upprr  stilly  iiriijirliiiL'.  Ilnui-.  tin-  iiaiiii'  i:i\i'ii  ii  al  tin- 
liiiir.  Mr.  I.iisslntr  ill  |iri'sciiliiiL;  a  iiiiiiiri' ulli  in  liis  livaiiliriil  llimk  nflln  llml^di,, 
slat  s  tlint  Krasrr  «asliiiiiii;iil  In  liii~  lioii-i .  hIuic  lir  dird.  Hut  liiis  i>  iiiaiii- 
IVstiy  iiuiimcl.  mill  fur  l\v<i  irasnii- ;  |s|,  Mr-,  liii'ilt'si'i  i-ay-  In  sii  iiiaiiy 
wnnis  ill  iirr  journal.  Iliat  llii'  ri'lri-al  pri'vi'iiti'd  lirr  iicru|iyliii:lliis  imu-i' :  aiiil.'jil. 
sill'  -.tail's  tlial  wlii'ii  llir  I'lirpsi'  was  liriiiiirlit  nut.  niiiiiy  nl  llir  caiiiioii  liall-  aiiinii 
at  till'  I'uiii'iiii  lortrp'  Ili'W  Mill  lar  Iriiiii  Inr.  ami  llial  -iir  "ilisliiuliy  ^a\^  lin  lii,- 
liaiiil  "  assist  in;;  at  llic  liiirial.  Il  is  also  sialril  in  tin'  ti'M  a  I'l'w  pairis  on.  ilial 
Mrs.  llli'iM'scI  saw  //(!/» //</•  liiMisi' till' iilisi'i|iiii'-.  lint  iliis  mw  lilock  liimsi' was 
not  li'ss  I  hull  tw(i  mill's  froni  I  hi'  plinr  of  burial.  Hitli  iliii-r  wooils  ImIhi'i'ii.  Tlir 
tiluc'k  liiiusi' was  also  at  this  tiiiii'  in  llainis  07V/.  hrr  ./'/i/z/ik/.  pa;.'r  I'Jli,  aithou;;!! 
Ihr  till'  was  MncrwariU  I'.xtiiiL'uislii'il. 


lOS 


MA.IOU  aKSKlt.M.  lUHUKsKL 


1)('(1.'  Otlicr  wcimiilcd  iiicii  iiml  nfliccrs  were  slmrtlv  ln'iiuulit 
in  iiiiil  l:ii(l  ill  tile  IimII  mid  ntlitT  cnrncrs  of  tlic  siiiiili  iidust'. 
Finally,  in  llic  cvciiiiiL;'.  (icncral  llifili'scl.  acciiiii|i,iiiit'il  Iit  liis 
adjutants,  called  in  ii»r  a  little  wliile  tn  cipiivinee  lii.s  wile  that 
he  was  still  sate.  As  this  r(»ini  was  the  imlv  one  wlii(di  could 
lie  occn]iied  hy  Mrs.  {{icdcscl.  her  children  were  oliliLicd  to 
sleeji  ill  it.  She.  herself.  s]i(Mit  the  iiiiiht  with  another  lady  — 
l.ady  Harriet  .\cklaiiil,  whose  husliand  had  heeii  severely 
Wounded  and  captured  this  same  day. 

The  dyiiiii  jiciieral  was  never  unconscious.  When  (ieiieral 
Uiedesel  came  to  him  in  the  eveniiii;'.  he  rcijuestcd  that  he 
mii:ht  he  huried  at  four  o'clock  the  next  afternoon  in  the 
eiiilianknieiit  .No.  1.  This  had  ai.vays  heen  with  him  a  favoriti^ 
spot,  on  account  of  the  heauty  of  the  view.  With  |icrfect. 
resii;natioii  he  awaited  his  end.  which  he  felt  coiitideiit  was 
near  ;it  hand.  His  chief  sources  of  >:rief  were  for  his  wife,  and 
for  (icncral  |{urt:iiyne  and  his  army.  \\  eiuht  o'clock  on  the 
followinji-  mornimi'  he  expired.  .M'tor  washinj;-  the  corpse  and 
wraii|iiiiL;  it  in  a  winding  sheet,  lie  was  jil.icecl  on  the  lied  and 
covered  u|i  with  a  sheet.  .Nlailaine  liicilcscl.  with  her  children, 
came  Ii.ick  into  the  room  after  this  had  hc(  n  done  ami  remained 
with  the  hocly.  as  there  was  no  oilier  place  for  her  to  stay. 
IJiirpiyne  had  the  deceased  ucneral  interreil.  accorclinu  to  his 
last  wish,  in  the  spot  selected,  with  all  military  honors.  '  Not- 
witli>taiidiiii:.  the  ciiLiai^cniciit  was  auain  rencweil  on  this  day. 
iSuruoyne  ami   suit    were   present   at   the  Imrial,  ami   reiiiaimd 


I 'Phi"  iillii^ioii  i- l<i  llii'I'acI  Mull  llii' iliiy  of  llirliiillli'  Vni-i'i-  win  hi  liiivf  ilinni 
Willi  Mis.  (ii'iii'ial  l{ii'ili'-('l  ill  ilir  niiii|i:iii>  III'  lirr  >iii-'liiiii<l  anil  (iiiirral  iMiilli|i-. 
.\li  1)1'  lln-r  ilciaiU.  iiirliidiiiL' an  rxiiriiii'lv  L'lapliir  anil  aH'iMiiiii;  aiTiiiini  iil'  [■"ra- 
kit'i'  (Iralli.  iliv  v'iM'ii  111  I'lill  liv  Mi>.  liiiilivrl  in  lur  iiiti  riaininir  l.i-lhi-y  uml 
JdiniHih.  Williiiiil  i\)in\\\  rrrriiiii;;  In  ilii'-  Hnik,  \\r  may  >a.\  luir  llial  llii-  Imuk 
iiii:.'lil  til  liiM'fail  liv  I'Vi'i'v  our  wlm  |ii'ii|.'r.»  llii'si'  vnlunirs. 

-'  I'lii"  >iiiil  i-  now  ilMlTi  niarkril  liv  two  lall  |iii.iv.  ihal  -laiiil  llkr  Iwii  ^'liiii 
iTiitinrI-  iiMT  llii'  iriniilii-  if  llir  L'allaiil  '.'riirral.  Tlir  hill,  mi  llir  lop  of  w  liirli  llir 
lalti  r  was  Iniiii'il.  sliiiiiK  -oiu''  lorly  mils  wi'sl  ol'  llir  liviT  riPiiil  Iniiii  SrliiiUcTv  iHf 
III  Stillwalrr.  anil  alioiil  two  liiinilii'il  roils  iiiirlli  ol  Willjui'  :*  liusiii  iliriilj;!'  .\u.  ■.>!. 
Till'  L'liaiiiplaiii  iiiiial  passes  closi'  to  its  lm«u. 


/.V  TIIK  .l.)/A7,7r.l.V  UKYOLrrios. 


169 

10 


wliilc   Cluiplaiii    Mnidcncl    dclivcivd  m    |(.|i;;tliy  stTiiion.      Tl 
Aiiici-icMii.s  jioiTuiviii^' the  nenoral.s  ■riitlioiv.l   upon   tlu'  liciulit. 
IHiiiti^d  ii  <;iiii  lit   tliciii;    Mild  diiiiii';  tlic  diliviTV  id'   till!  dii<- 

C'dursc.  tlic  cai i  l),i!ls  wlii/zrd  dvcr  tlic  licads  of  llic  iiioiinicrs. 

("ertaiiilv  it  was  a  real  inilitaiy  I'liiicral  —  one  iliat   wa.s  iiiiii|iu> 
id' its  kind. 1 

.Mrs.  (li'Mi'ral  liicdcscl  rnun  lior  lioiisc  (•(Jiild  look  mit  ii|i()ii 
the  ()b.s(>(|ui(.s.-'  She  know  tliat  Iicr  Im.d.aiid  was  tlicrc.  and 
was  in  dan-vr  I'l-oiii  cvcrv  cannon  sliot  ;  tli;,!.  iiidcod.  lie  al.so 
iiii-;lil  find  liis  urave  on  tliat  vnry  spot.  F.niiinal.dy  tlic  ,\ni<'- 
ricans  lircil  too  liiM-li.  so  tliat  their  shots  did  no  execution. 

Ill  order  (hat  the  retreat  id"  tli.'  arinv  miirlit  he  kept  secret 
from  the  eiieiiiv.  the  troops  were  ordered  to  move  as  (jiiii'tly  as 
pos.sil)h.,  and  keep  the  watcli  (ires  Imriiin-:'  hrijihtly.  Hiede.sel 
arrived  at  two  in  ih,.  moriiinu' with  the  advance  at  Dovo^at's 
house.      Here   he  received  orders  from  l{iiri;o\iic  to  halt.      He 

met  at  this  point  his  family;  and  hein.;'  i pletely  worn  out  liy 

the  exertions  of  (he  la.^t  few  days,  and  the  halt  la.xtinir  lon-er 
than  he  supposed,  he  entered  the  earriaire  of  his  wife  desi-nin--- 
to  re.st  i;,r  a  few  moments.  Hni  re.stin-  his  head  upon  his  wife's 
shoulder,  he  slept  soundly  for  three  hours. 

Iiieile.s.d,  like  every  .me  else,  supposed  that  this  halt  of  the 
advance  liiiard  was  only  for  the  purpnso  of  awailini;-  the  main 
hody  ;  hut  the  latter  comiim  up  in  the  course  of  an  hour,  and 
liurjroyne  orderinii   them  to  f,,nii  into  two  lines  and  eiieanip. 

every  one.  who  had  any  idea  of  the  positi d'  the  aniiv.  were 

astonished.  'I'lie  army  coiild  easily  have  mar.  lied  diiriiii;  tlu' 
entire  niuhl.  wliicli  was  not  v.'ry  dark,  ami  have  rr.i.dicd  Sara- 
tojia  at  daybreak.  A  l.ridjj-e  acr.iss  the  ||uds,>ii  could  tlim 
liav.'  at  once  h.'eii  hciiun  without  inolcMation.      It  was  ii.dieve.l. 

'  Mmlanii'  Hii'ilosd  wiys  in  Ii.t  1)c..,|<  ilmt  liii'  .•iniiy  hh-  piwi'iiinl  Inmi  siaiiiiii,' 

.-IIIUKT  llllllll>^cl|lhll(C(ir  tills  lUlU'lUl.  nil. I  Hull   (mIUTIII    lllll';;clMH-  tlllTI'liy  1. 1^1   pil' 

ciDiis  lini.'.     Dili  u.'  Imvc  ,<ci'ii.  not  mily  llml  III.'  iiiiiiv  wii^  ii.'.Mipi.'.l  iii  pirpam 
tiiMi- for  il,..|,|miliii<.,  1)111  iliat   BiirsuyiuMlld  mil  iiit.iicl  |„  Mail  li.luiv  iii-hi  in 
Older  1.1  avail  liiiii,..'lf  .ii  tlic  .larkiiCKK.—  Nult  in  the  uiiijiiml. 
'^  I'omjmio  ii.ilc  .III  pay.'  Ki". 


170 


MAJOR  aF.SrilAL  lUKDKSKL 


Imwi'vcr.  tliiit  tile  Jinny  wmilil  ccrfMiiily  coiiHriiu'  its  uuircli  by 
(l:iyt)r('iik  ;  Imi  Miiriicpyiic  nrdrrcil  it  In  ,1  ]iipsitinii  wliciv  if  was 
forci'd  (11  rcinniii  fiiilil  foiir  in  tlif  iil'tcrncinn.  Tims,  the  advan- 
tauf.  wliicli  tlif  army  had  i;aiiicd,  was  cniniilctciy  lust  l)y  this 
hi'sitatiiin  ;  for  the  cncniy  at  unco  availed  thcnisclvcs  nt'  this 
delay  tn  send  as  many  trnnjis  as  |Missihle  liehind  the  Kniilish 
across  the  river;  and  thus  tiiey  nut  only  ]>revented  tlieni  I'luni 
Imildinu  a  l>ridt;c.  hut  laliiecl  the  nearest  townships  on  tiio 
o|i|M)sile  side,  and  eireetnaliy  ojntosed  the  erossin^'  oi'  the  army. 
The  iiatlierint:  ol'  the  Americans  on  the  eastern  shore  enidd 
easily  he  seen  ;  while,  at  the  sanu'  time,  fiiini;  on  the  patrols 
and  tlu!  hateaii.x  hecaine  constantly  more  i'ret|neiit. 

.\t  four  in  the  afternoon,  the  march  was  resumed  ;  and  it 
was  sjiecially  ordered  that  every  assistance  should  h<^  e.vtemled 
to  the  teams  which  carried  the  liaLiuauc.  'i'liis  l.ast  order,  how- 
ever, was  in  vain.  It  raineil  all  day:  the  roads,  already  in  a 
terrihie  conilition.  rapidly  ;.;rew  worse;  and  tlic  teams,  .soon 
stiekint;  last  in  llie  mud.  were  unahle  to  proceed.  Thus,  all 
the  reL:imcMts  lost  hoth  llieir  teams  ami  haimni;!'. 

In  the  eveniiii;  the  weary  army  arrived  at  Saratoua  and 
erosseil  the  {''islikill.  'I'he  iiiiiht  was  dark  and  cold.  The  rain 
])oiired  down  in  torrents;  and.  wet  to  the  skin,  the  soldiers  were 
forced  to  encamip.  (lencral  liuriioyne  had  his  head  i|uarters  in 
a  house  near  Sarato^ia.  hclonuinu  to  thi'  .\mcrican  tieneral 
Schuyler.  Hamilton's  hrii;ade  (the  2(lth.  21st  and  (ilM).  re- 
mained on  this  side  of  the  I'isiikili  and  were  stationed  on  an 
eniiniiicc.  soulii  of  tiial  creek,  for  liu'  protection  of  head  i|Uar- 
Icrs.  The  lialeaux.  at  liic  Jum-tion  of  the  i-'ishkill  and  the 
Hudson,  were  suhjected  to  the  tii'e  of  the  .\mericaiis  the  entire 
niuht. 

(til  tile  Idtli  of  ()cloh<'r.  tlic  patrols  njiorhMl  to  IJur^nv"" 
that  the  enemy  had  taken  possession  of  the  |{atlenkill  on  the 
opposite  liaiik  of  the  Hudson,  '{"hat  aenerai.  theretore.  con- 
siderin;^  il  loo  hazardous  to  aKcmpt  the  pass.ii^c'  of  the  river, 
ordered    the    army   lo   take  a   positimi   for    the   present    on   the 


/.v  ////•;  AM/:it/i:\x  uKroLvriux. 


171 


lii'iiilits  of  S.-initiiuii  until  ii  \\\\wr  cinilil  \w  flniiid  tiiv  crnssiiiii 
the  stn^ani.  IjfiitiMijiiit  Cnlonol  Soiitlicrlaiid,  witli  tlic  Htli 
Mild  JTtli.  and  a  f'fW  ('aiiiidiim  Volunteers  uiuler  <'a|itaiM  Me- 
Kav.  were  detaclied  fcu'  this  pui'ipose  and  orderi  li  to  rejiair  a 
luMilue  ojijiosite  Kort  Ivlward — ('a|ptain  'I'wiss  of  the  enuini'tr.s 
huin^-  s(Mit  with  the  party  to  su|K'i'intend  the  work. 

At  two  in  tlu^  iifteriioon.  the  Anu-rieans  occu|pied  Saratnua. 
and  MriL''a<li(4-  Hamilton,  heine-  no  longer  ahl<'  to  niaintain  his 
]iosition.  was  obliged  to  wade  across  the  l''ishkill  and  unite  with 
the  main  hody.  .\s  soon  as  IJurudyne  was  forced  to  leav(!  hi.s 
head(|uarters.  (Icneral  Schuyler's  mansion,  togetlier  with  several 
other  houses,  were  hurned  t<p  the  ground,  set  on  tire  hy  wicked 
hands.'  I'lion  reaching  Saratoga,  the  enemy  at  once  took 
j)ossession  of  the  heights  just  vacated  hy  Hamilton.  .\  few 
brigades  of  the  .\nu'rieans  now  attem]ited  to  <'ross  the  river, 
but  were  preventeil  by  the  Knglish  cannon. 

l'|ion  leaving  Seliiiyler's  mansion.  Murgoyne  made  his  head 
quarters  in  the  centre  of  the  army,  but  was  forced.  Iiy  a  battery 
of  the  enemy  on  the  opposite  bank,  to  l(;ave  tlie  place  the  >.ime 
evening.  The  heavily  laden  bateau.\  were  now  .'uijiticd  of  all 
their  provisions,  as  it  was  found  impossible  otherwise  to  row 
them  up  the  stream.  During  the  ensuing  night,  the  army 
Ibrtilied  itself  as  well  as  it  was  able;  for  it  was  ascertained 
that  the  enemy  had  come  around  the  left  wing,  for  the  pur|)o.se 
of  attacking  the  centre.  As  the  .\mericans  were  already  on 
tlie  other  l)ank  of  the  river,  the  position  ol'the  myal  army  was, 
perhaps,  tin.'  best  under  the  circumstances;  m^verthele.ss,  it  was 


'  Mrs.  liii'dc'si'l  r-lali's.  Hull  llir-i'  liiiililili;.'-  wvw  llrcd  liy  llic  (inlciv  of  Hui\'ii.vii'' 
Miiiiy  iilScliiiylrrV  iiiil!«  wi'i'i'  liiiriii'il  iit  llic  sami'  liiiir.      Xiile  in  f/n  nnijiiidl. 

'I'ln'  picsciil  Scliiivlrr  niiiii>ii)M  whicli  was  nOmill  <iiiin  iit'lcr  liy  Scliiiylcr.  slaiids  a 
I'l'w  yanl- iiiifllirasl  111'  llii' ^iu•  of  Ihi' unc  liunil  liy  ItiirL'eynr.  ll  will  harilly  In' 
crcdilcd.  Ir.il  such  N  Ilic  lad.  thai  Ihr  liiiilni'  was  iiil  diiwii  in  ils  nalivc  slatc>  and 
draw II  IViiiii  Ihc  liiri'sl.  andtlic  house  irliuill  and  |iul  in  riuuplrli'  rcadini'S!"  I'nr  Ihc 
icii'plicin  iif  ihi'  laniily.  ill  thi'  spaci' dl  illici'U  days!  ll  slumld  lie  slati'd.  Imw- 
ever.  Ilial  Sc'liuylrr  liad  llu' assislancc  oi'  ilir  cnliii'  army  cirualcs  for  lliis  piirpnsc. 
Tliis  liicl  was  relali'd  In  Ihc  Irau^lalur  liy  .Mr.  Shiver,  whusc  lather  was  in  (lales's 
army. 


172 


M.Uiili  HKSKIIM.  ItlHDKsia. 


very  jtrt'Ciii-imis.  A  few  I'lnulisli  n'i;iiiii'iits  in'cu|iii'(l  a  kiiiil  of 
ri'(l(iiil)(  nil  tilt'  Icl't  wiii;^-  ill  ordt'i'  (u  incvi'iit  tlic  ciu'iiiy  cniss-' 
'\\\\i  tilt'  l'"islikill.  Tilt'  iMiiilish  iind  (ii'iiiiiiiis  in  tlw  cciitri' nf 
tlio  riu'lit  wiiiti'  wi'ii'.  Iicwcvfr.  dill'iTuiitly  sitiiatt'tl ;  ilir  rruin 
tho  siil(!  (if  tilt'  l''islikill  tlif  wlmli'  liiif  was  within  I'dU'li  nt'  tlio 
(■ncniv's  liattt'rit's.  'I'lii-  lit'ii:lits  mi  tlit.'  ii[(|)iisit»!  Iiank  ni"  tlit.! 
rivt'i-  wtM'i.'  sii  iii'ar.  that  tin-  Anu'ricans  finiiil  easily  estahlifih 
battorii'S.  and  tlirt'alt'ii  the  rear  nf  the  cntiri'  liiii.  husides  sub- 
jecting' the  extreme  winj;'  tn  the  lire  tit'  iiiUiskctry.  A  biittiry 
of  a  few  twelve  and  si.x-])iimiders  was  ]da('e(l  tin  the  riLrht  flank 
t(i  prevent  tlu;  enemy  fnnn  ertpssinj;  the  Itattt'iikill — where  tin; 
water  was  very  shalltpw  —  and  ea)ituriiij:  the  artillery  and  stnrcs. 
The  yiijii'rs,  the  L'renadier  hattalitin  of  iJriinswiekers.  and  tho 
ri'uinieiit  tif  lUii'tz.  were  statitmed  in  the  centre.  In  fnint  uf 
these  triiii]ps  was  an  eminence.  IVom  the  t"])  nf  which  the  eiui- 
niv's  t'Drtilieatitins  eimlil   easilv  have   been   reached   with    liiins, 


but  it  CDiild  not   hv   occniiied 


as 


the  1 


in 


le  of  the  army  was  too 


weak 


.ti  allow    o 


f    its  further  extension. 


Tl 


u!   works   on 


th 


fortificiitions   ])ro,u;re,ssed    V(M'y   slowly.      The  soil    1 


(einji    very 
a   iiijiht.   but   had   to   he 
Worked  at  in   the  day  time  uiitler  a  constant  fire.      Heforo  day- 


ickv  tllt'V  c 


mid   not    be  Hnishetl 


break  of  the  11th.  the  two  AnuM'iean  brigades  had  ci 


d  th< 


Fi.shkill.  and  sur|irised  a  jiost  cmisistinji' of  one  officer  and  sixty 
men  of  the  (!2tl.  Shortly  after  they  attacked  tlie  bateaux  ;  and. 
ca|iturini:-  the  boatman,  sailetl  in  them  down  the  river.  .Ml 
this  Was  the  work  tif  a  few  minutes,  for  when  the  royal  troops 
fired  at  them  with  eartritluc,-.  they  bail  already  made  i;t)od  their 
retreat.  The  army  was  under  constant  firi'  the  whole  day, 
btith  in  front  and  rear.  'J'lie  outposts  were  emitiiiiially  enuaiifd 
with  those  of  the  enemy ;  and  of  the  detached  patrols,  many 
were  cajitiired  in  that  wootly  reuimi.  'I'liis  happened  especially 
to  the  lijiht  Hriinswick  troops,  who.  bein;^'  in  front  of  the  centre, 
were  the  farthest  tint,  and  were  oblificd  to  keeji  uj)  communi- 
cation with  the  Kiiulish  tnmps  of  the  left  winj^'  by  patrols, 
receivt^  timely  warniii!:  of  any  attempt  to  sur- 


That  be 


iht 


/.v  riih:  AMKitic.w  i!i:voi.i  ii'ix. 


V 


niiiiid  tliis  wiiii:,  Miiriinyric  put  iiii(iiiiMcs  uii  I'lMit  liy  wli'nli  lir 
li'.inu'd  lli;it  a  stnmtr  (Icfiiclmiciit  litid  liccii  xMit  iiitn  the  vicinity 
III'  l''ui'l  Kdwiinl.  fill'  tlw  )iiii-|Mif^c  rif  cutting  idl'  liis  rctnMt  in 
tliat  dircctinn.  IjcutcnMiit  Culuncl  Sniitlici'iiind.  wlm  li.id  Keen 
witliin  II  mile  of  h'nrt  Kdwiinl.  Iiiid  rf|iurt(d  nnly  the  day  |in'- 
vidii.x.  tliat  aH  yet,  liu  liad  lui't  with  nunc  id"  the  ciicniy.  and 
tliat  the  hrid;,'((  was  inufcthan  lialf  linishcd.  It  was.  tlicrclorc. 
with  till  litth'  (<iir|iri.>'c  that  he  received  nrdci-s  mi  this  day  tn 
Niispeiid  wiiik  and  return  witli  liis  ti'i"i|is  tn  tiie  army,  lie  at 
once  iil)cyed.  Icavin;^'  ('a]itain  Midsay  with  liis  eiiiii|iany  at  tlie 
bridfic.  Tlie  latter  .siil)se(|iiently  sccecedcd  in  making!  Lund 
tlii'ir  escape  tn  'riciiiidenifra.' 

In  the  eveniiii;.  MiirLT'iyne  sent  jiir  (Iciierals  Uiedesel  and 
Phillips,  and  re ji resented  tu  them  the  dithcnlt  pusitiiui  nl'  the 
iiriiiy.  with  whi(di.  hnwcver.  tlmsc  ui'iicrals  were  as  well,  if  not 
better  iici|uainted  than  himsidt'.  lie  cx|ilaiii(>d  the  impnssiliility 
of'iittiiekim:  and  cuttinj;  Ium  way  thriiiij;h  the  enemy  under  these 
eireiinistances.  (iciicral  Uiedesel  then  prnpnscd  tn  leave  the  liajr- 
gaj;e  behind  and  retreat  on  this  side  uf  the  lliidsnn;  and.  as 
l"'iirt  Kdward  had  prnbably  been  recnt'nrccd  by  the  abcive  nieii- 
tiiiiicil  detaehiiieiit  nl'  the  enemy,  he  further  priipnscd   to  cross 


'  •'  'I'ln'  Mliiiilioii  111'  till'  iiniiv  al  llii'-  lliiii'."  ^avi  llif  .{ii.iUUiiiex.  "  lu'iaiiii'  inori' 
mill  iiiiiri'  (It'-'iMTiitr.  'I'lir  trnoji"  i»r  ilii'  Aiiicrinm*  j^cciiii'il  It)  lii'i'tiii^tantly  iiH-rrUH- 
iiii;  al  all  iIkim'  jiiiinl*  lliniiiL'li  wliiili  lair  lnHi|)«,  \iliii  wi'i-c  already  >iii'i'i>iiiiili'il, 
U'IhIiciI  tci  pa>s.  (iaU'H.  liiiiii-oU'.  \\n*  lirliinil  tliciii  <villiliis  aniiv.  IIi'  iIhiiil'IiI  Hut 
niiiiiii'iil  liail  iiii»  anivi'il  Hlini  lie  cc  mid  cany  liir.  puiiii  «  llli  llif  Ira"!  |M>-»ililc  sai'rl- 
lli'i'  of  liliHid.  'I'lii-  Ha*  the  rca-im  liilliiTln  wliv  lir  \xiiild  mil  jli-lcn  li>  his  u'ciicralx 
wlii'ii  llu'y  iiri:(d  liiin  lo  altack  tin'  riii'iiiy-  ramp.  His  di'-li,'!!  Ha-.  I'illu'r  lo  allow 
hiniscir  til  be  atlarki'd.  iii'  iiil  (ill'llic  Itililsli  army,  iil'uiiiisi'  prccarlciiis  I'diiiliilini  lir 
liad  liri'ii  iiit'ennc'd,  •  I  kmiw  Iliii'i.'iiym' '  mi  ln' wild  amiiiii;  ciiln'r  tliinu's  '  lir 
is  an  old  L'amlilci',  and  will  i-ct  I'Vi'iytliiiiir  iijioii  one  throw.'  " 

A  jiassa;.'!'  also,  I'roiii  tlu'  wuih'  soiirrc.  liriniis  mil  Iliir!.'oyiii''s  ^'I'lU'iaMiip  in  siill 
worse  ccdors.  "  IJi'iiti'iianl  C'oloni'l  Soiillii'rland  liad  advanrcd  lo  williin  tliri'i' 
mill's  of  l-'orl  Kdward.  wlii'ii  lir  sent  liaik  a  nport  ol'  its  ronditioii.  on  llic  llllli,  to 
llu'  I'll'i'cl  that  IIu'I'c  wrri'  only  IINI  .\nnriraiis  in  Ihi'  lorl,  Km  instead  of  seniliii}; 
word  lo  seize  and  oeenjiy  the  same  without  loss  rd'  time,  Itnri.'oyiie  si>nl  Souther- 
land  tlie  siii'iirisimr  order  to  fall  haek  iiisiantly  upon  the  army  1  When  manliin;,' 
liaek  in  olii'dlenie  lo  this  order,  lie  lelt  MeKay  with  a  seellon  of  Indians  and  pio- 
viiu'ials  at  a  liridge  opposite  the  fort,  wlio,  allerward,  safely  made  Iheir  way  to 
Ti('onderoi;a." 


^^ 


I7» 


MAiiiii  <it:st:it.\i.  i!ih:iit:st:i. 


till'  river  liiiii'  mill's  iilmvi'  tlml  liiri.  miil  I'liiitiiiui'  tlii'  iiiiii'cli  tn 
l''nrt  (ii'oi'jii'.  This  |ilaii.  iiiiiri'dViT.  was  tin'  iiinst  rcasililc,  as  flio 
mini  tliift  side  III'  tin'  Ihiiisiui  had  imt  as  yet  'h'i'm  iKTUpinl  hy  tlu! 
tMii'iny.  itiii'i^'iiyiir.  huwcvcr.  nmlil  nut  niakr  n|i  his  niiinl  that 
I'vrnin;;.  hut  alliiwi-il  thi'  iiri'ciniis  niuun'nts  tn  pass  hy  uniniiirnvcil. 
The  ea|ilui'eil  hateaiix  were  iif  ureat  use  tu  the  Ann'rieauM, 
will)  hinl  hitherto  been  in  ;j:reat  want  nt' just  such  things.  'I'hey 
were  now  ahle  In  trans])iirt  triiiips  aernss  the  river  at  their  jilea- 
snre,  anil  thus  reeuliiree  all  the  ]iiists  un  the  mail  to  l'"iirt  Ivlwanl, 
anil  expauil  nmre  ami  nnu'e  in  I'mnt  nt'the  myal  triMi|is.  They  alsn 
iireeleil  three  hatteries  iin  the  ii|i|Misite  shore.  IVoni  whieh  tlu'y 
ilireettMl  ii  fire  on  the  rear  nl' the  army.  The  iiut|io8ts.  as  heforo 
stated,  were  ennstantly  fij;hfin;;.  and  eould  mdy  he  itruteeted  hy 
slrouir  |(atro|s  led  hy  ollieers.  Kvery  hour  the  position  ol'  the 
army  i:ri'W  more  eritieal.  and  the  |)ms|ieel  of  salvation  urew  less 
and  less.  There  was  no  plaee  of  safety  I'or  the  hajryaue  ;  and 
the  ground  was  e'lvered  with  dead  horses  that  had  either  heen 
killed   hv  the  eiM'mv's  linllets.  or  liv  exhaustion,  as  there  had 


liei'U  no  I'oraLie  tor  several  ihi 


W 


HI  woulil   eare 


I'or  th 


mals  when  every  one  had  enough  to  do  in  earin<i  for  his 


poor 
'  own 


preservation  I  Kveii  for  the  Wiiunded.no  spot  eould  he  found 
whieh  eould  atl'ord  thein  a  safe  shelter  —  nut  even,  indeed,  for 
as  louu  a  time  as  miu'ht  sntllee  for  a  surgeon  to  hind  up  their 
uhastly  Wounds.  The  whole  camp  was  now  a  seeue  of  eonstaut 
li;;htinj;-.  The  .soldier  eould  not  liiy  asidi'  his  arms  day  or  uijiht, 
except  to  e.xehanire  his  }iun  for  the  sjiade  when  new  entreneh- 
mciits  were  to  he  thmwu  up.  The  siek  and  wounded  would  draj; 
themselves  alouu  into  a  ijuiet  corner  in  the  woods,  and  lie  dnwn  to 
die  upon  the  cold,  damp  j^round.  Nor  even  here  were  they  lonj;er 
«afc,  since  every  little  while  a  hall  would  come  crashin";  down 


amou< 


the  ti 


The  few  houses  that  were  at  the  foot  of  the 


mountain,   were    m-arest    to   the   enemy's   (ire;    uotw  itlistandin;!: 


which,  th 


e  sii 


k  and  wounded  oOicers  d 


rai:ueii 


th 


I's  hith 


icekini:  protection    in   their  xaultcd  cellars.     <  dder  ^rew  more 
ind  nion;  lax. 


/.V  77/ A-  .l.l/AA'/r.l.v  ItrVOI.lTluS. 


\V^ 


At  tliiTc  ill  til..  iin,.ni,„.ii,  lliiru,,vi„.  |,.„|  ;,iiotlwT  ('..unci!  of 
Will-  Willi    lli,.,|,..si;l  mul  I'liillips.     Til.,  two  l.riM,„li,.r,s.  (iail  mimI 

llfiinilt.in,   Were    hIm.i   siiiiiiu ■,!.      lil.dcsrl    iiisistc.l    iipnii   (li,. 

1''""  '' ""iK'ntlcd  l)v  liiiii  til,.  .Iiiy|p..(;iiv,  I,,. ill-  viiic.d  tlint 

ill  tlmt  Miily  WHS  ili,.iv  ti  |,n>sil.iliiy  nf  s,ii;.|y.      lim-Mync,   imt 
beiii;i  iil.lf  f..  .,|,|Misr  ihis  |,|„ii,  ( sciiicl  i,,  it  .irt.r  il tlicr 

IIU'IIiIkTS    nf  til..  (.nl|||..il    1,m,|  ..x  pn.ssc.l  111,.  .SIIIIIC  ..|.illi,  ,1.       Th.. 

iiniiv    liM.l   >lill   siifli..i..iil    r;iti,,|,s    tnr  six    .Ijiys.    wliii-li,    it    wns 

'""'''''■•'t 1.  w..n.  t..  1...  .listril.iit.'.l    iiiiK.iiu   I'li,,  „„,„   ,|„,  ^.,„|,. 

(ivi'iiiii-.  Tnwiinl  t..|i  n'(.l,,ck  111,,  .iriiiy  w.is  l.i  stnrt.  (m.m.tiiI 
Hi...l..s..l  was  t..  1..,m1  111.,  iiilviiii....,  iiiiil  li.Mh.ral  I'liillips  tlm 
n.jir  jiiijinl.  A....nnlii|o|v.  |,ivcisil_v  at  ten,  th,.  t;,iiM,.|.  l,,-,,!  1,;^ 
moil  nilli..,!.  ami  s.iil  wonl  t.i  Hiirpiyn...  l.y  ( 'aptain  ( uilaili, 
that  cvi'rythiim  was  na.ly  fcr  th..  maiHi.  |{i,t  inst.a.l  d' 
i.nhrs   Inr   march ini:'.   th,;  a.ljiitaiil    l.n.iinht    l,,.|,.k    tli,.   .Mscmi- 

raging:  Hiiswvr.  that  it  was  i,..,  hit,,  in  tl v,.i,iii-  in  start,  ami 

that  th..  army  must,  tii,  i...|;,r,..  r,.|,i„iii  in  it.s  prcMoiit  ipiarl.Ts. 
Wli..|i  (i..|i..ral  l!i..,li.s,.l  re,.,.iv,'.l  this  aiisw,'!-.  h,.  IMt  as  if  Im 
was  stniok  by  a  thiin,lL.rl)..lt ;  but  b,.iiiu  w,.ll  tmim.d  t.)  ..bo- 
il ieiici'.  bo  ma.li.  tho  best  .if  it. 

(Jt'ii..ral  l!i,.<l..sollia(l  ammii:  his  papt.fs  the  (luciimoiit  rolatiii-;- 
t.i  th..  piv>.-,.,.,liiijrs  of  this  ,..miicil  ,.f  war  writti-n  in  tho(i,.nmin 
laiijrua-o  ;  ami.  as  it  ivlali.s,  in  tho  b,.st  ami  most  ..xpli.'it 
inaiiiior,  all  tho  .lifloroiit  points  of  th,.  coiisnltatinii.  we  will  .'iv.. 
it  a  pla.'o  lioro.      It  n.ads  as  follows  : 


■m 


i 


1 


'•  UeCDIU)  of  rilK  ('..IN.  11,  ,.K   Wak.    IIKMi  ...\    TlIK  IlKidllT.S 
<•!••    S.\l!.\T(i.l.\,    O.TlillKH    Il'tII.     1777. 

'■^  Mi  mill  rs  nf  ill,    Ciiii  11,11  III'  \\',i,\ 

IJeutonant  (ioiioral  nuifinyno. 
Major  (ionoral  I'liillips. 
Major  (Ionoral  \'oii  |{io(l,.s..l. 
]{rij;a.lior  (ionoral  Hamilton. 
IJrifra.lior  (Ionoral  (iall. 


,aw   ; 


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IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


<. 

^'^ 


'<"   Cx 


176 


M A.J  on  GESEIiAL  RIEDESEL 


"  Lieutenant  Geueral  IJurgoyno  placed  before  the  council  of 
war  for  tlu-ir  considcratinn  the  folliiwinj;-  situation  of  the  army: 
According  to  the  most  reliable  intelligence,  the  enemy  have 
over  14.000  men  this  side  of  tlie  1''ishkill,  together  with  con- 
siderable artillery.  An  attack  is  threatened  from  this  quarter, 
(^n  the  other  side  of  the  Ilud.son  river,  between  our  army  and 
Fort  Kdward,  is  anotlu'r  force  of  the  enemy,  the  strength  of 
which  could  not  be  ascertained  j  but  one  corps,  that  has  been 
seeu.  is,  according  to  a  report,  estimated  at  1,500  men.  The 
enemy  also  have  cannon  on  the  heights,  on  the  other  side  of 
the  river.  They  also  have  built  a  bridge  across  the  Hudson 
below  the  church  at  Saratoga,'  for  the  better  communication  of 
these  two  armies. 

"  Our  bateaux  are  ruined  and  captured,  so  that  it  would  be 
impossible  to  construct  a  bridge,  even  if  the  enemy  did  not 
molest  us. 

'•  The  only  way  open  to  us  for  a  retreat  is,  either  to  cross  a 
ferry  near  Fort  Edward,  or  march  on  the  heights  and  cross 
another  one  farther  up  the  river,  or,  finally,  to  march  on  the 
heights  clear  up ''  Ui  the  end  of  the  Hudson  river ;  thence, 
leaving  Lake  (Icorge  to  the  right,  in  a  westerly  direction 
through  the  woods  to  Ticonderoga. 

"  It  must  be  remembered  that  this  route  was  never  .used  by 
any  one  except  small  parties  of  Indians. 

'•  In  order  to  transport  cannon  and  teams,  bridges  will  have  to 
be  rebuilt  and  repaired,  and  this,  too,  under  the  enemy's  fire 
from  the  other  shore.  It  will  take  from  fourteen  to  fifteen 
hours  to  finish  the  main  bridge.  No  good  position  can  be  had 
i'or  the  defense  of  the  wood  ;  and  the  time  expended  will  give 
the  enemy  an  opportunity  to  occupy  the  height  near  Fort  Ed- 


'  Till'  sill'  ol'  lliis  iliiiiTli  is  a  W\\  rods  siiiitli  (il'tlic  prosint  ScliujltT inaiiHion,  on 
llu' tiiniplkc  Irimi  Scliiiylcrvillu  lo  Stillwali-r,  mid  near  the  s|)(it  whore  tlio  tory 
Lovt'laco  was  liiin;.'.  Mr,  Stcivcr,  who.  as  inciitloiu'd  in  a  preceding  note,  owns 
and  resides  In  thi'  Selnij  ler  man-ion,  has  the  skull  of  this  tory  sjiy. 

■^  Not  an  elegant  expression,  but  one  that  expresses  accurately  the  sense  of  the 
origiiinl. 


7^"  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTWX. 


177 


ward,  while  General  Gates  could  attack  us  in  the  rear.  News, 
received  from  deserters  and  the  friends  of  the  king,  assure  us 
that  (jeneral  Clinton  has  captured  Fort  Jlontgoniery.  This  is 
reported  to  us  in  detail  by  a  reliable  man. 

"  We  have  provisions  sufficient  to  last  for  twenty  days,  but  wc 
have  no  rum  or  beer.  This  is  the  condition  of  thinjis,  which 
the  lieutenant  general  laid  before  the  council  of  war  in  order 
to  hear  its  opinicm  regarding  the  following  propositions  : 

"  First.  To  wait,  in  this  position,  for  coming,  fortunate  events. 
"  Secondly.  To  attack  the  enemy. 

"  Thirdly.  To  retreat,  repair  the  bridges  on  the  march,  and 
thus,  with  the  artillery  and  baggage,  force  the  ferry  near  Fort 
Edward. 

"  Fourthly.  To  retreat  by  night,  leaving  the  artillery  and  bag- 
gage behind;  cross  above  F(u-t  Edward  or  march  round  l^ake 
George;  or, 

"  Fifthly.  In  case  the  enemy  should  move  more  to  the  left,  to 
force  our  passage  to  Albany. 

"  The  first  article  was  objected  to ;  first,  for  the  reason  that 
the  situation  of  the  army  would  only  grow  worse  by  reuuiining 
any  longer  —  on  account  of  the  scarcity  of  provisions  —  there 
scarcely  being  a  sufficient  quantity  to  last  until  the  army  reached 
Lake  George;  to  say  nothing  of  the  army  being  forced  to  march 
around  Lake  George.  Secondly,  as  it  was  not  to  be  supposed 
that  the  enemy  would  attack  our  army  in  its  entrenched  camp, 
as  he  had  not  done  it  when  the  army  was  not  entrenched. 

"  The  second  proposition  is  not  available,  because  there  is  no 
opportunity  for  reconnoitering,  and  as  it  is  known  *hat  the 
Americans  are  very  strong. 

"  The  third  proposition  is  impracticable. 
'•  The  fifth  proposition  was  considered  worthy  of  consideration 
by  Lieutenant  General  Burgoyne,  Major  General  Phillips  and 
Brigadier  General  ITaniilt<jn,  but  the  position  of  the  enemy  did 
not  offer  an  opportunity  for  it. 
23 


178 


MAJOR  GENEIiAL  lilEDESEL 


"  The  fourth  proposition  was,  therefore,  accepted  as  practicable, 
and  it  was  to  be  executed  with  the  greatest  secrecy  and  (juiet- 
ness.  The  army  was  to  march  toward  tlie  ri<;ht.  in  the  same 
order  as  it  stood.  N.  B.  No  provisions  having  been  distributed 
among  the  men,  they  wei'c  to  get  their  rations  at  the  outset  for 
six  days.  Tn  the  meantime,  patrols  were  to  be  sent  out  for  the 
purpose  of  ascertaining  whether  the  army  could  march  for  four 
miles  without  being  seen ;  and  it  was  to  be  determined,  after 
the  distribution  of  the  rations,  whether  the  army  was  to  retreat 
at  night,  or  on  the  following  morning. 

'•  The  patrols  returned,  and  reported  that  there  were  so  many 
of  the  enemy's  detachments  on  our  right  wing,  that  it  would  be 
impossible  to  start  without  being  detected." 

(Icneral  Kiedesel,  who  translated  this  from  the  English 
language,  adds  on  the  margin  the  following  remarks  : 


"(jkneral  KiKDKSEr/s  Remarks  in  keoard  to  the 
Council  of  War. 

"  General  Kiedesel  insisted  on  the  adoption  of  the  fourth  arti- 
cle, until  it  was  finally  approved  by  the  rest  of  the  members  of 
the  council ;  but  after  it  was  ascertained  that  there  were  no 
rations  distributed,  a  distribution  of  them  for  six  days  was  at 
once  ordered  ;  and  if  this  distribution  should  be  finished  by  ten 
o'clock  the  same  evening,  then  the  retreat  was  to  be  commenced 
that  very  night.  At  ten  o'clock,  Ricdcsel  sent  a  report  by 
Quarter  blaster  (Jeneral  Captain  Gerlach,  that  the  rations  had 
been  distributed  ;  at  the  same  time,  asking  for  marching  orders. 
The  answer  was.  •  The  retreat  is  postponed  :  the  reason  why  is 
not  known.'  That  evening  tin-  nh'aif  u-ns /inssifi/r.*  A  move- 
ment of  the  enemy  made  it  impossible  the  following  day. 

"  Article  fiftli  has  been  discussed ;  but  all  the  members  of  the 
council  believing   that  it  was  impossible  to   carry  it  out,  and 


'The  Ualicmre  my  owu.—  JV.  L.  Stone, 


IN  nil-:  AMEiiivAx  hevou'tiu.v. 


179 


Kiedcsel,  believino;  that  a  retreat  was  still  possible,  th  )U}ilit  the 
time  too  precious  to  enter  upon  otli(;r  unnecessary  debates  which 
would  not  lead  to  the  aceoniplishuieut  ofthe  purpose. 

'•  On  the  following-  day,  the  retreat  of  the  army  had  become 
utterly  impossible  ;  for,  during  the  night,  the  army  was  entirely 
surrounded  by  the  Americans ;  the  latter  placing  a  strong 
guard  of  observation  on  ati  eminence  upon  the  right  flank  of 
the  royal  army,  i  They  had  crossed  the  river  on  rafts,  near 
the  Battenkill,  for  this  very  purpose." 

General  Burgoyne,  in  all  due  form,  again  called  together  a 
council  of  war,  to  which,  besides  the  generals,  all  of  the 
brigadiers  and  commanders  of  regiments  were  invited. 

We  will  give  the  proceedings  of  this  council,  also  v,rh,it!m, 
as  they  are  written  by  ("ieneral  Kiedcsel  himself. 


"  Minutes  of  the  Seconm)  Colncil  of  War,  iiErj)  o\  the 

AFTERNOON  OF  THE  llitU  OF  OCTOBER,  1777. 

"The  lieutenant  general  laid  before  this  council  the  same 
propositions  as  before  the  la.st  one,  with  this  addition  —  that 
the  enemy  was  now  entrenched  on  the  lieights  of  Fort  Edward, 
holding,  also,  a  .strong  position  before  Forts  Edward  and  (Jeorge. 
He  stated  that  he  was  willing  to  hazard  everything  that  ap- 
peared in  the  least  possible  according  to  the  strength  and  spirit 
ofthe  army.     He  also  added  that  he  had  reason  to  believe  that 


'I.e.,  on  the  left  bank  of  tlie  Hudson.  M(),,-nn  nnd  his  sharp  ('hooters  also 
occnpied  an  eminence  some  forty  rods  west  of  Mr.  William  B.  Marshall's  house 
on  the  road  from  Schuylerville  to  Fort  Miller.  Mr.  Marshall  resi<les  USIlTl  in  the 
house  occupied  duriuij  the  cannonade  by  .Mrs,  Kiedcsel. 

Although  it  Is  not  mentioned  here,  nor  in  Wk  Au.vilhme.-!  that  the  enemy  had 
erected  a  battery  on  the  ri(jht  hank  of  the  Hudson  (i.e.,  the  Sclmylerville  side), 
a  little  to  the  north  of  Hursoyne's  army  as  well  as  on  its  r.'ar  and  Hanks,  yet  such 
was  the  fact  as  is  evident  from  the  tradition  of  the  inhabitants,  atid  also  from  the 
remnants  of  the  fortifications  still  to  he  seen.  This  battery  was  on  the  toj)  of  a 
knoll  about  forty  rods  northwest  of  the  farm  house  now  (ISfiTi  standini;  on  the 
bank  of  the  river  and  owned  and  leminted  by  .Mr.  William  Allen.  This  fact  shows 
more  fully  the  completeness  ofthe  inveHtment  ofthe  royal  army. 


18't 


MAJOU  OaXERAL  JtlEDESKL 


a  few  —  i)(!vliiii)s  all  those  who  were  at'(|iiaiiitc'(l  with  tho  situa- 
tion—  wt^ro  in  I'avor  of  i'ai»itiiiation  ;  and  in,  consiilcration  of 
these  eircnnistances  he  liad  conisidered  it  his  duty  to  his  country 
to  extend  the  custom  of  war  beyond  its  usual  limits  in  order 
that  all  i\w.  niemliers  of  the  council  then  present,  might  be 
looked  upon  as  the  representatives  of  the  whole  army. 

"  He  also  told  them,  that  he  would  consider  it  inexcusable, 
should  he  enter  upon  s\ich  negotiations  without  their  opinions. 
For  this  reason,  he  would  now  lay  before  the  council  the  follow- 
ing (juestions : 

"  First.  AVliether  an  army,  consisting  of  3,500  condjatants, 
could  enter  into  an  agreement  with  the  enemy,  tliat  should  bo 
honorable  and  not  detrimental  to  the  national  honor!'  The 
response  to  this  was  unanimously  in  the  affirmative. 

''Secondly.  Whether  this  was  the  case  in  relation  to  the 
situation  of  this  army '!  To  this  question,  also,  the  response  was 
unanimously  in  the  affirmative. 

'•  Thirdly.  Whether  the  situation  of  this  army  was  such  as 
to  make  an  honorable  capitulation  really  detrimental ''  Upon 
this  liiedescl  laid  befn-e  the  council  the  propositions  which  he 
was  to  send  to  (reneral  (iatcs.  Ai^  can  be  seen  in  the  public 
journals,  they  were  unanimously  adopted,  and  the  negotiations 
entered  upon." 


"  RKMARK.S  OK    GkNERAI,    RlEDESEL  TO  TIIK  AH(»VK. 

"In  the  second  council  of  war.  in  which  all  the  conunanders 
of  battalions  and  corps  jtarticipated.  an  honorable  capitulation 
was  agreed  upon,  after  every  opportunity  for  retreat  had  been 
neglected.  It  is  to  be  supposed  that  (ieneral  IJuVgoyne  was 
resolved  upon  this,  because  the  conditions  of  the  capitulation 
had  already  been  perused  by  him  before  the  council  of  war  hiid 
been  called  together." 

The  details  of  this  treaty  as  they  were  prijposed  by  Hurgoyne 
arc  not  published  in  full  by  the  papers,  nor  the  alteration.s  and 


IN  THE  AMERICAN  ItEVOLVTIOX. 


181 


additions  made  by  (Jfiieral  fiates.     They  arc  only  j)id)li.slicd  as 
tlioy  wore  finally  afiriHMl  upon  by  the  two  ^entTals.' 

(iencral  IJnrgoyni!.  at't(>r  this  council  of  war.  wrote  to  (Jcneral 
Gates,  requesting  iierniission  to  send  him  a  stati'  officer,  "  iu 
order  to  negotiate  affairs  of  importance  to  both  armies."  A 
drummer  was  sent  with  this  letter  into  the  American  camp. 
lie  returned  with  a  polite  answer  from  the  American  general 
to  the  effect  that  at  ten  o'clock  the  next  morning,  a  staff  officer 
would  be  expected  by  the  outposts  of  the  army  of  the  /'iiilnl 

Stotlti. 

We  will  here  ((uote  the  negotiations  n  r/iati'iii,  as  we  lind 
them  in  Riedesel's  journal. 

"  Thu  14:fh  (hfiiijir.  The  deputed  adjutant  general  of  Gene- 
ral ]}urgoyne  reached  the  outposts  of  the  enemy's  army,  and 
offered  to  General  (Jatos  the  propositions  for  negotiations,  and 
an  armistice  while  the 'preliminary  articles  were  being  con- 
sidered by  the  latter  general ;  provided,  of  course,  that  Gates 
deemed  it  worthwhile  to  consider  them.  As  an  answer  to  this, 
Gates  gave  3Iajor  Kingston  a  copy  of  six  articles  as  a  prelimi- 
uary  for  the  capitulation.  An  armistice  until  sunset  was  agreed 
upon;  and  both  armies  were  accordingly  apprised  of  it.  It 
vvas  also  understood  that  upon  the  expiration  of  the  truce, 
General  Gates  was  to  receive  an  answer  from  Hurgoyne. 
Toward  noon  the  latter  called  another  council  of  war,  and  laid 
before  it  the  articles  of  General  (jiates.  The  first  of  these 
articles  stipulated  that  '  t/ir  tirmi/  xhindil  xiirrnii/i'i-  tin  jin'smurn 
of  war'  the  last,  that  ■  tlw  fniops  s/ioii/d  i/rouni/  f/itir  (irni:<  in 
the  cntiTnrhmi'ntK  ir/irrr  f/iri/  tmir  xfnmf.  mul  thru  iniin/i  off  to 
their  (lesfiiiafion.'  All  the  uiend)ers  f)f  the  council  declared 
that  they  would  sooner  spill  their  last  drop  of  blood,  or  die  of 
starvation,  before  they  would  submit  to  such  humiliating  con- 
ditions.    Accordingly,  at  sunset,  Major  Kingston  was  sent  by 


•  The  details  of  this  treaty  are  to  be  found  in  Stedman'a  Ilistory  of  the  North 
American  War,  part  let,  page  437. 


182 


MAJun  (IKXEIIAL  ItlEDEtiEL 


ri(!iioval  lJur<;<(yiio  to  (Isitcs  witli  tlic  answer  that  all  nL'j;(itiati((n.s 
must  cease  unless  lie  rcliii((uislied  liis  propused  avtieles — the 
entire  army  beinj.'  resolved  •  tn  thnnr  flicmsrfns  irltli  tin'  ijmitrnt 
tftsjx'nifioii  iifiDii  tfir  iiiiwi/.-)'<ithi r  tlinn  dccijit  kih/i  rt/iidifioHS.' 
At  the  same  time  that  Major  Kinj^stdu  returned  the  artieles  to 
Gates,  he  gave  hiui  those  of  IJurgoyne,  whieh  were  to  the  effect 
'  t/ldt  a  ciipltiilntlnn  roiild  innr  In'  thuiKjhl  of  tuxhr  diii/ con- 
(fitiiiiin  t.rriptliKj  f/iii.ir  thiit  were  in  flii'  i/oriniiciif.'  "  The  armi- 
stice ceased,  and  JIajor  Kingston  returned. 

"  The  15th.  It  seemed  now  as  if  negotiations  were  at  an  end. 
But  at  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning,  an  adjutant  from  General 
Gates  very  unexpectedly  arrived  at  our  outposts  bearing  the 
propositions  of  General  Hurgoyne  with  the  signature  of  Gates. 
All  the  propositions  were  agreed  to,  and  only  one  artieh;  was 
added,   namely  :     •  T/mf  t/iiK  iiipiliiliitlnii  inm  fn  t(iJ,-v  pkirc  at 

tiro  iti'liirk  nil  flir  iiflirilOdH  of  thr  Kdllli'  i/il//  (Uli!  to  hr  sii/iirtl 
hi/  Jiiin/iii/iir ;  ii/sii,  tlint  at  Jirv  o'vluvh  in  Un'  (i/tirnooii.  the 
itrmj/  ulioiilil  fi'iirc  t/iiir  /iiiis  f/iiif  f/i/'i/  miijht  hf  pvipund  on  the 
j'o//(>irini/  i/iii/  til  /iii/in  tin  /;•  lliiirili  tu  /instnn.' 

•'This  sudden  change  in  (ieueral  Gates,  and  the  annexed 
pressing  article  that  the  whole  atl'air  sluudd  be  closed  as  quickly 
as  ])ossihle,  apjteared  singular  to  Hurgoyne.  and  caused  him  to 
call  another  council  of  war.  It  was  then  resolved  to  inform 
General  (Jates  that  General  Burgoyne  would  accept  the  la.st 
proposition ;  but  as  these  were  only  the  preliminaries,  and  as 
several  things  had  to  be  arranged  before  Burgoyne  could  sign 
the  capitulation,  the  time  was  too  limited,  and  Burgoyne  would, 
therefore,  propose  that  staff  officers  should  be  sent  to  arrange 
the  details  of  the  treaty  for  their  mutual  signatures. 

''  Lieutenant  Colonel  Southcr'und  and  Captain  Gregg  were 
appointed  on  our  side.  The  coiumissioners  met  near  the  ruins 
of  Schuyler's  house,  and  remained  together  until  elevei"  o'clock 
at  night.  All  that  we  asked  was  granted ;  and  our  commis- 
sioners, who  were  empowered  to  efiect  a  settlement,  promised 
for  Burgoyne  and  themselves  that  the  treaty  should  Be  returned 


U 


IX  THE  AMEnrcAy  JtEvoumox. 


188 


the  followinj,'  inoriiitif,'.     The  uniii.stice  was  therefore  prolonged ; 
ami  in  the  atK-nioon  all  of  the  troop.s  were  paid  off. 

"The  KJth.  The  unexpeeted  arrival  of  a  ])rovineial  in  the 
ni^'ht  at  once  put  a  stop  to  the  completion  of  the  treaty.  Indeed, 
it  came  very  near  being  entirely  overthrown.  This  man  stated 
that  he  had  heard,  through  a  third  party,  that  (ieneral  Clinton 
had  captured  the  fortification.s  on  the  highlands,  and  had  arrived 
with  the  troop,s  and  fleet  at  .Esopus  eight  days  previous;  and 
further,  that  by  this  time,  he  was  very  likely  at  Albany.  IJur- 
goyne  and  a  few  other  officers  were  so  encouraged  by  this  news, 
that  they  were  greatly  in  favor  of  breaking  the  treaty.  The 
council  of  war  was  accordingly  once  more  called  together,  and 
the  following  ((uestions  laid  before  it : 

"  1st.  Whether  a  treaty,  whicli  was  about  being  completed 
by  his  deputies,  and  which  he  himself  had  promised  to  sign, 
could  be  broken  't  1-ourteeu  voices  against  eight  decided  this 
question  in  the  negative. 

"  2d.  Whether  the  report  of  a  man,  whom  nobody  knew,  was 
sufficient  in  our  present  situation  to  justify  our  refusal  of  so 
advantageous  a  treaty?  The  same  number  of  votes  decided 
this  also  in  the  negative.  Nor  could  the  decision  have  been 
different.  Everything  re.-^tcd  on  mere  hearsay.  Had  this  man 
been  sent  by  Clinton,  or  had  he  .seen  the  army  himself,  the 
matter  would  have  been  very  different. 

'•  3d.  Whether  the  common  soldiers  possessed  sufficient  spirit 
to  defend  the  present  position  of  the  army  to  the  last  man  'i  All 
the  officers  of  tiie  left  wing  answered  this  in  the  affirmative. 
Those  of  the  centre  and  left  wings  gave  a  similar  answer,  pro- 
vided the  enemy  were  attacked;  but  the  men  were  too  well 
accjuaiiited  with  their  defective  position  to  display  the  same 
bravery  in  case  they  were  themselves  attacked. 

"  Finally,  in  order  to  gain  time,  it  was  resolved  that  Burgoyne 
should  inform  <Jates  by  letter  that  he  had  been  told  by  deserters 
and  other  reliable  persons  that  he  had  sent  a  considerable  corps 
of  his  army  toward  Albany,  and  that  this  being  contrary  to  all 


-r-*^ 


I 


n    r 


184 


M.UOJl  <IK.\l-:itAL  Illh:iJESKL 


I'aitli,  lit'  (  Hiir^iiyiKO  coiild  iidt  j:ivi!  liis  sijiiiiiture  withdut  liciiig 
f()iiviin'i!tl  tliiit  the  Aiiu'fifaii  iiriiiy  (lutiuiiiibi'i'ed  his  iiwu  by  at 
leant  tlirisi'  nr  lour  to  one;  dates  hIidiiKI  tlu'i'et'nrt!  naiuL'  an  otti- 
c'LT  111'  our  iiriiiy  wlm  uiifilit  sec  liir  hiiiiHcll'  tliu  nmiibor  oi'  tlio 
ciiciiiy  ;  1111(1  sliciiild  Miir^iiyiic.  al'tor  liearin^-  this  (iflufer's  rt'imrt, 
be  cdiiviiieeil  nl'  tlie  superior  iiuuibers  of  tlie  Anu'rieiins,  ho 
would  at  oiiee  si;;ii  the  treaty,  (ieiieral  tiates  received  this 
letter  with  couHideraljio  iiunr/inhnicr,  but  replied  that  ho  would 
ffive  his  word  of  honor  that  his  army  was  Just  as  stronj^  now  as 
it  was  previous  to  the  treaty,  and  that  liavin^  since  then  been 
rcenforccd  by  a  few  brij^adcs,  it  certainly  did  outnumber  ours 
four  to  one,  and  this,  too,  without  countiufi  those  trooj)s  that 
were  on  the  other  side  of  the  Hudson  and  at  Half  .Moon.  He 
also  yave  IJurgoyne  to  understand  what  it  meant  to  break  his 
word  of  honor,  and  offered  to  show  his  whole  army  t(j  Hurgoyiie 
after  the  latter  had  signed  the  treaty,  when  he  would  find  that 
everything  he  had  stated  was  true.      He  then  closed  by  giving 


]{i 


th 


h 


v'hich  to  answer,  statinj^ 


urgoyne  no  longer  than  one  Jiour  m  w 
that  at  the  expiration  of  that  time  he  would  adopt  the  most 
striiiyent  measures. 


Tl 


le  counci 


l(.f 


war 


whid 


icn  was  there 


th: 


jupon 


cimvencd  for  the 


last  time,  had  as  little  to  say  in  answer  to  this  reply  of  Gates, 
as  Burgoyne  himself  j  and  the  latter  finally  signed  the  following 
treaty,  which  was  at  onc(^  sent  to  General  Gates : 


"  Treaty. 

'■  I.  The  troojis  uiulor  the  command  of  liieuteuaut  General 
liurgoyne.  will  leave  their  entrenchments  with  their  artillery, 
with  all  military  honors,  and  will  mai'ch  to  the  shore  of  the 
Hudson  river,  to  the  place  formerly  occupied  by  the  old  fort, 
where  they  will  leave  their  guns  and  artillery. 

■■  11.  A  free  passage  to  England  will  be  granted  to  the  troops 
of  General  Burgoyne  on  the  condition  that  they  shall  serve  no 
more  during  the  war  in  North  America.     The  harbor  of  Bos- 


I 


r.\  77/A'  .\MKIIIC.\X  tlHVOWriOX. 


185 


ton  is  (l('siiriiat(!(l  us  tlic  \A\u'v  for  tlie  eiiibarkatioii  (if  tin;  h'ocijis, 
unless  (Jcncriil  llowi'  ntlicrwisc  directs. 

'•  III.  In  oii.se  a  eartel  slinuld  take  iilaee  by  wliieli  all  nf  (jiese 
tr<Hi|ps  or  a  |),irt  tlierenf  an;  exclianj^'ed,  then  Artlrlr  // siiail  hv. 
declared  vnid  as  I'ar  as  the  e.vclnin^e  is  ciincerned. 

•■I\'.  Tlie  triMi|is.  under  Lieutenant  (leneral  Hur^ovne.  will 
niarcii  njnui  tin;  slmrtest  and  must  cdnnnndiniis  niad  fi)  .Massa- 
chusetts bay.  and,  as  circumstances  dictate,  are  to  be  (juartered 
in  (u-  arouml  H(i.«tiin.  'J'he  march  of  said  tniDjis  .shall  not  bo 
delayed  in  ca.se  nt'  trans|Hirts  arrivinj;  (in  which  they  can  embiirk. 
"  V.  Tlie  troops,  duriiifi' the  march,  and  in  their  ((uarters,  are 
to  bo  furnished  (aecordini;  to  the  promise  of  General  (lutes) 
with  the  same  rations  as  the  troops  of  his  own  corps  —  il'  pos- 
sible, llor.ses  and  drauj^ht  cattle,  and  also  foraj^e  shall  be  fur- 
nished at  tlio  usual  price  for  the  u.so  of  officers. 

''  VI.  All  officers  shidl  retain  their  wagons,  horses  and  (jthor 
animals;  and  no  liajijiagc  shall  lie  inspected  nor  neglected; 
(loneral  Hurgoyne  giving  his  word  of  honor  that  nothing  be- 
longing to  the  king  shall  be  hidden  among  them,  (ieneral 
Gates  will  take  the  necessary  precautions  for  the  carrying  out 
of  this  article.  lie  will  also  see  to  it  that,  if  neces.sary,  teams 
aro  wanted,  they  shall  be  furnished  to  the  troops  and  officers  ut 
the  usual  price. 

'■  VTI.  ])uring  the  nnircli,  and  as  long  as  the  troops  remain  in 
the  province  of  Massachusetts  bay.  the  officers,  as  far  as  circuni- 
.stanccs  will  permit,  shall  not  be  separated  from  their  men  ;  and 
it  IS  to  be  left  to  their  own  judgment  to  asscudilc  their  men  as 
oftc'u  as  they  consider  it  necessary  for  the  preservation  of 
discipline  and  order.  The  officers  shall  also  receive  (juarters 
according  to  their  rank. 

- ''  A'^IIT.  All  .sailors,  working  men,  drivers,  volunteer  companies 
and  other  persons,  being  in.  and  belonging  to  the  army  of 
General  Hurgoyne,  shall  be  considered  as  British  subjects,  and 
shall,  in  every  way,  be  considered  as  included  in  this  article  — 
no  matter  of  what  country  they  may  be. 
24 


^^ 


186 


M.X.Iiill  (iH\h:it.\L  ItlUDKsKl. 


"IX.   All  ('aniidiiins,  ill  wliiitcvcr  >*('ivicc  tlicy  were  i 


til 


nrmy  (>r  (Iciifiiil  |{iir;;(>vH(',  hit  tn  be  )n'rinittc(l  td  n'funi  tn 
tlu'ir  lidiiu's,  iiiiil  to  iiiiirrli  nt  unci',  midcr  iiii  cHcdi-t.  tn  tlu' 
iiciin'.xt  Hi'itisli  |Mist.  'riicy  siiiill  alsn  ln'  I'unii.Mlii'd,  durin;;' 
tlio  niiiridi.  with  tlu^  saiiu^  ratimiH  an  tho  Kiiglisli  trfiii|j,M,  l)iit 
tlu-y  art'  In  jinniiisc  not  to  Hurvo  diiriii|f  the  intscnt  war  in 
Anioric'u. 

'•  X.  Parses  shiill  iiMni('diat(dy  In'  iflvcii  to  such  oflifoi'H  (not 
aliovt^  the  raidi  of  caiitain,  and  who  uliall  Im  aiiiioinli'd  liy 
(ioneral  Hni'ffoyno)  to  hear  dixpatches  to  (leneral  Sir  William 
llowo,  8ir  (iuy  Carleton  and  to  Knf:land  liy  the  way  of  New 
York.  (ieneral  dates  ])roniises  hy  pulilie  trust  and  faith, 
that  these  dispatehes  shall  not  be  opened,  and  that  said 
otlieers,  al'tor  rcceiviiifj  them,  shall  he  carriod  by  the  shortest 
route  and  in  the  ((uiekest  manner  to  the  |ilae»^  of  their 
destination. 

'■XI.  Durin^j,'  tho  stay  of  the  troops  in  tht^  province  of  Massa- 
chusetts bay,  the  officers  shall  ;iive  their  pandos,  and  retain 
their  side  arms. 

'•  XII.  If  tlie  troops  of  (l(!neral  Hurjidyne  find  it  neeessary  to 
send  for  their  l)aj;iiage  and  elothing  to  Canada,  they  shall  bo 
permitted  to  do  so  in  the  most  convenient  manner. 

'•  XTTF.  These  articles  shall  bo  sijined  by  tlse  resjuictive  jrenc- 
rals  to-morrow  morning-  at  n'ww  o'clock,  and  the  troojjs  shall  leave 
their  camp  at  three  in  the  afternoon. 

"  In  tho  camp  near  Saratof^a,  October  Ifith,  1777. 


>iirne( 


"S 


^l'rne( 


Joii.N  15i;u(i(>v.\K. 


Hdkatk)  (Jatks. 


'•Thus  the  final  de.'<tiny  of  our  army  was  sealed:  an  army 
which,  accordini;  to  the  ofhcial  list  of  losses,  durinji'  the  whole 
campaign  auainst  a  (quadruple  force  of  tlu;  enemy,  and  in  spite 
of  the  many  fatijiues.  labors  and  troubles  of  a  character  never 
experienced  on  European  ground,  had  never  lost  its  courage 
in  critical  periods ;  au  iirmy  which  certainly  would  have  done 


/.v  /'//A'  iMh'h'HAX  itt:v<ii.iri<>\. 


IS- 


ovt'rvfliiiiir  that  ciiiirn^ic  (Mpuld  iiccniiijdisli  —  iintwiflistiiiMliiij: 
it«  iiiiiiiln'iiii;;  iiiily  l,()(H)  I'liiiilititiiiits  —  tit  cHciiiic  till"  tlff-tiiiy 
that  cammt  Ito  otlicrwisK  tliaii  piiinrul  to  hravc  triMips,  had  nut 
till)  (joi'faiiity  of  fiiiiiiHliiii^'  in  the  wimmIs  cuiisfil  its  Icaih'i'rt  to 
Modiior   Miirrt'iKltu'   li_v   iiiiitiial   (■iiiiscnt.     Tims    were   s.ivi'il   tho 

lives  of  the  bravf  ti ps,  who,  with  thuir  lilood  and  thi'ir  licst 

will  hud  f'oii^rht  as  liin;r  as  possihlo  for  tho  rij;lits  of  tho  IJritish 
nation,  and  for  a  nioro  j;iorioiis  destiny  for  tl:e  crown  of  Kn;;- 
iand. 

••  There  is  not  perhaps,  u  ^.i  .  le  instance  in  history,  or  cer- 
tainly very  few.  wluiru  troops  could  bo  reconciled  to  a  capitula- 
tion with  So  nine!)  Iionor."  ' 

Thns  nineh  for  the  '.dies  in  Hiedc, ;'«  journal.  Tills 
treaty   is  mentioned   in    other   hi  tori,  .m   works;  still,  we   have 

thoiijrlit  it  hest  to  ^ive  it  in  iM-    mneetion,  i)artly  net  t nit 

anylhin;;'  material  to  IliedvM'l'-  history,  but  more  (  hicHy  for 
tho  reason  that  we  shall  have  to  recur  to  several  points  of  it. 
which  have  become  the  cause  ot  luany  ar;iuments  and  severe 
debates  on  both  sides.  Scarcely  ever  has  then;  been  ■-o  much 
mild  in  re;.;iuil  to  any  treaty  as  thi.-. 

(ieneral  Itiede.scl  was  deeply  affected  by  these  sad  events. 
At  eij;lit  o'clock  in  the  mornin^iof  the  17th,  he  collected  all 
the  (Jerman  troops,  and  informed  tl.cii  ot'  their  fate.  In 
sohimnity  and  in  silence,  and  with  droopinj;-  heads,  tho  brave 
and  tried  warriiu's  heard  the  words  from  the  month  of  tli"ir 
beloved  loader,  whoso  voice,  manly  at  all  times,  trembled  on 
this  occasion,  ami  who  was  oblij;od  to  summon  all  of  his  self- 
control  to  hide  his  emotions.  ••  It  was  no  lack  of  courage  on 
your  part,"  .said  ho,  among  other  things,  to  bis  men.  •■  by  which 
this  awful  fato  liaa  come  upon  you.  You  will  always  be  justified 
in  the  eyes  of  tho  world."  JIo  concluded  hi.s  address,  with  the 
exhortation,  that  as  good  soldiers  they  should   boar  their  mis- 


'  Tliu  idoft  of  the  writer  Is  not  quite  clear.  Rledesel  probably  meant  lo  say  tlial 
InstaneeK  are  rare  in  hlKtory  wlu^re  troopK  have  been  forced  Into  so  liunonMt  a 
capiliilution. 


H    ■ 


188 


M.UOI!  aKXKllAI.  niEDEsEL 


fortune  with  coiirajrc.  and  il(i  tlii'ir  diitv  at  all  times,  disiplavinf;' 
order  and  diseijiliiie ;  tor  in  hh  doinj;-.  tlie\  would  retain  the 
love  of  their  sovercifiii.  and  the  respect  of  their  enemies.' 

General  liiedesel's  next  eare  was  to  save  the  colors.  He, 
therefore,  had  them  taken  down  from  the  flair  staft".  and  ^avc 
them  to  his  wife,  who  had  them  sewed  up  by  a  faithful  soldier 
who  was  a  tailor.  Henceforth  he  slept  upon  them  and  fortu- 
nately saved  them.  What  a  dreary  future  was  now  in  store  for 
the  weary  soldier  in  this  distant  land  I  Certain  of  victory  a 
few  days  ago  after  so  many  <;lorious  battles,  all  pro.spect 
for  honor  and  <:lory  was  lost  in  this  campaign.  In  a  few  hours 
they  were  to  lay  down  their  arms,  those  arms  with  which 
they  had  so  bravely  fotiuht  against  their  enemies,  those  arms, 
too.  that  Were  now  to  be  surrendered  to  the  enemy,  on  whose 
will  they  were  now  dependent.  Verily,  a  sadder  fate  than  this 
cannot  be  imagined  for  a  soldier  ! 

At  eleven  o'clock,  the  army  left  their  old  fortified  camp,  and 
formed  in  line  on  the  ground  near  the  so  called  old  fort,'-'  this 
side  of  the  Fishkill.  Here  they  left  their  cannon  and  muskets. 
With  a  moist  eye  the  artilleryman  looked  for  the  last  time  upon 
his  faithful  gun  —  parting  with   it  as  he  would  from  a  bride  — 


'  Inwiirdly,  liowcvor.  Hii'dcsrl  cliarcd  oxciidlnL'ly  at  t'li'  iri^iilt  imil  lit  llu'  had 
niana'/t'iiii'iit  wliiiii  had  hniiiirlil  it  aliDUI.  In  the  t\i'st  nuiinoiits  (if  vexation  ho 
wi'otr  Id  tlii'  iviiruini;  pi-im-r  at  Hninswick  as  fnlliiws  : 

'•  Voui'  scri'Mi'  hii.'liin'ss  will  imdi'i'stand  hy  Ihi' aiciiniiiaiiyiii!.'  report,  now  «ub- 
mitti'd  to  yon.  into  what  a  di'sidntr  petition  our  llni'  niamruvrc!'  havi'  placed  me 
and  the  troops  of  yoin' hiu'hness.  The  re]jntalion  I  have  i.'aini'd  in  (iennany  has 
been  saerilleed  to  certain  individuals,  and  I  consider  myself  the  most  niifortnimte 
man  on  earth." 

But  neither  the  conn  nor  lln^  puhlic  of  Hrnnswick  laid  anythin;;  to  the  charire  of 
Riedosel,  or  the  troops.  On  tlie  contrary,  they  felt  the  sjrreatest  symimthy  with 
them  in  their  nnfortnnate  I'ati'.  This  is  sliown.  not  only  liy  llie  letters  of  Dnke 
Clmrles.  and  Dnke  Ferdinand,  the  hereditary  prince  of  Hrunswick.  hnt  by  thu 
newspapers  of  that  day.  In  which  neither  the  troops  nor  their  irenerals  are  In  the 
cllnhtest  deirrce  reiiroached.  On  the  contrary,  they  ackiu)wledi;e  their  j^ood  be- 
havior. 

''Fort  Hardy,  erected  durlni.'thi'olil  French  war  and  nauwd  after  (iovernor  Charles 
Hardy,  the  successor  of  (iovennn-  Clinton,  lies  in  ihe  northeast  an;;le.  made  by  the 
Fishkill  aiul  the  Hudson.     Its  ?iie  can  now  with  dllllcnlly  be  traced. 


/.V  rilK  AME/ilCAX  nKVOLVTinX. 


189 


and  that,  forever!     With  repressed  tears  the  bearded  grenadier 
pliK'cd  Ills  nnisket  on  tlic  pyramid  to  take  it  up  no  more  ! ' 

Tile  army  of  (Jeneral  (iates,  which  was  on  tliis  side  of  tiic 
lliul.son,  was  formed  in  three  lines.  Tiiree  officcr.s  of  tlie  royal 
army  (amonj:'  them  Captain  Twiss  of  the  engineers),  having 
received  orders  from  Hurgoyne  to  count  the  troops  of  the  enemy, 
found  them  to  number  between  i:J. ()(»(»  and  UjtOlt  men.-  Sub- 
se((uently,  dates  handed  IJurgoyne  the  official  list  of  the  men  in 
his  army.  The  American  troops  on  the  other  side  of  the  Ilud- 
soii  were  not  counted.  These  consisted  chiefly  of  militia  from 
the  surrounding  townships  of  New  Hampshire  and  Connecticut. 
General  (iates  received  the  captured  generals  on  the  other  side 
of  the  Fishkill  with  great  politeness.  Taking  them  to  his  tent 
in   the  camp,  he  gave  them  a  splendid   dinner,  i  to  which,  also, 


'  •■  OcneraUialesslKiwodliiinselfoii  this  (icoasioiicxcoiMliiiijIy  noble  ami  ^'.Mionms 
toward  the  captives.  That  lie  iiii;,'lit  sliare  in  some  manner  their  I'eeliiiirs.  ho  com- 
manded his  lr()()i)s  to  wheel  roniid  tlie  instant  they  laid  down  theirnrms.  He,  him- 
self, drew  down  tlu^  curtains  ol'  his  carriage  In  which  ho  had  driven  to  the  ;^'roiind, 
and  in  which  he  was  then  seated. 

•■  Refori'  the  soldiers  parted  with  their  muskets,  they  knocked  oil"  in  their  sup- 
pressed rage  the  butt  ends ;  and  the  drummers  stainjied  their  drums  to  pieces, 
while  tears  trickliHl  down  the  bronzed  cheeks  of  the  warriors."—  liriiiiJiii'kk 
Jmiriial. 

The  laying  down  of  the  arms  took  place  at  some  distance  from  the  American 
troops.  According  to  one  of  the  journals  of  one  of  the  Brunswick  otHi'ors,  the 
muskols  wore  not  laid  down  but  only  piled  toL'ether.  This  authority  also  states, 
that  no.Vmerican  odicer  was  presi'iit  —others,  that  only  Adjutant  (ienoral  Wilkin- 
Bon.  Alter  the  surreivlcr.  the  Uritisli  marehed  Imck  without  escort  to  the  iilace 
where  stood  the  hospitals  (the  present  site  of  .\loiizo  Welsh's  liariis  in  Schuyler- 
villol,  where  they  biv(Uiacked  that  nlnlit. 

-  This  estimate  ineludes  only  the  nuinher  eontaineil  in  the  iiiimeilktti^  camp  and 
lines  of  (Jates  as  seen  by  the  tiir.'e  otlicers  in  passiuir  throudi  them.  The  exact 
number  of  (JatesV  army —  not  eoiinling  the  iinnpson  the  other  side  of  llii'  lliiil- 
son  —  was  •J-.'.Ii.jO  men.  Tliis  appears  by  the  oilieial  list  s.Mit  by  (iates  himself  to 
Hurgoyne.  Counting  those  (Ui  the  other  or  east  side  of  tile  river,  the  American 
army  must  have  been  al  h^ast  •i'i.iKKI. 

3  This  statement  in  rcL'ai-d  to  the  (Vif/o/zcc  of  the  dinner  is  entirely  dill'orent  from 
the  one  given  of  the  dinner  in  tin!  Hrunswick  Jiiiinuii    The  latter  says  : 

'•  (ieniMal  iturtroyne  did  not  lose  for  a  moment  Ids  sound  slei'i)  and  L'ood  .•ppetiie. 
When  he  met  (ieneral  (iates.  shortlyafter  the  signing  ofthe  treaty,  in  ihe  Amc'iiean 
camp,  he  not  only  manifested  his  usual  remarkable  serenity  and  iiolileness.  but 
had  attired  himself  in  full  coiirl  dress,  us  if  goinji  to  assist  in  somegala  occasion, 


190 


M.UOR  (lEXEHAh  RTEDESEL 


tlie  hifihcst  of  tlic  Aiiioricaii  uoiu-rals  were  invited.  The 
Anicrit'iiiiis  acted  witli  a  ^roat  deal  of  dcc(iruiii.  No  si<i;ii  of 
seorn  or  pleasure  at  the  misfortune  of  tlieir  enemies  was  visible 
upon  tlieir  oountcnances.  On  the  contrary,  they  manifested, 
on  this  occasion,  their  sympathy  in  a  very  becoming  manner. 

It  was  then  that  the  Enjilish  learned  for  the  first  time,  the 
real  condition  of  the  enemy,  which  had  hitherto  been  a  secret 
to  them.  Certainly,  a  rare  example  in  the  history  of  war.  The 
American  army  occupied  the  heights  near  the  house  of  Bemis. 
This  position  was  naturally  a  strong  one.  and  had  been  still 
further  strengthened  by  art.  The  right  wing  rested  on  the 
Hudson;  while  the  front  was  covered  by  a  muddy  ditch  behind 


He  wore  costly  rciriinciilals  biirdnvd  witli  i,'()l(l.  mid  ii  lint  with  Hliv.imiiij.'  plumes. 
He  had  licstowcd  tin'  ^'roiitfst  oiiiv  on  his  whole  loilut.  so  thai  ho  looked  liken 
dandy  nillier  than  a  wan-ior.  'j'lio  .\niej:eiin  ijoneral  was  dressed,  on  the  contrary, 
merely  in  a  plain  blue  overcoat  wliieli  had  upon  it  scarcely  auylliiiif;  indicative  of 
liis  rank. 

••  I'pon  llie  two  generals  tlrst  caleliing  a  glimpse  of  each  other,  they  stepped 
forward  siniiiltaneonsly  and  advanced  toward  one  anotiier  until  they  were  only  a 
few  steps  aiiarl.  when  they  slojiped.*  'I'lie  Kiif:lish  jreneral  took  off  his  richly 
decorated  hat  in  an  eleu'anl  manner,  and  inakliii;  a  very  polite  bow,  paid.  '  General, 
the  caprice  of  war  has  made  me  yniir  prisoner."  The  American  general,  in  reply, 
simply  returned  his  L'reeliiiir  and  said.  -You  will  always  tiiid  me  ready  to  testify 
that  it  was  not  bron^'lu  about  lliroiiL'hany  fault  of  yourexcelleiicy.'  Itotli  iienerals 
were  altended.  on  this  occasion,  by  their  stall  olHcers.  The  .\nierican  olHcers  vied 
with  llieir  general  in  their  civilities  to  the  captured  prisiuiers,  and  in  elVorls  to 
make  them  foigel  their  misl'ortiines. 

•• 'I'liey  then  diiH'd  in  (iaies's  tent,  on  lioanis  laid  across  barrels,  which  served 
for  a  table.  The  dinner  was  served  u|i  in  four  dishes,  which  consisted  of  only 
ordinary  viands,  the  American  being  accustonied  to  plain  and  frugal  meals.  The 
drink,  on  tliis  occasiini  consisti'd  of  cider  and  rum.  mixed  with  water.  Uurgoync 
appeared  at  this  time  in  c.vccllcnt  humor.  He  talked  a  good  deal,  and  said  many 
thiiiiis  llallering  to  the  .\iiiericans.  lie,  also,  proposed  a  toast  to  (Jcneral  Wasli- 
ingloii.au  atlenlion  thai  (fates  returned  by  drinking  the  health  of  the  king  of 
England.  liurgoyiii'  ale  and  drank  all  the  time  with  the  greatest  appetite,  so  tliat 
the  (ierman  olllcers  present  were  more  than  astonished  at  his  demeanor  uudor 
such  circumstances.  'I'he  .Vmerican  army  was  kept  under  arms  as  long  as  the 
dinner  lasted."  —  J/«/(V.sr/7//^  Ilninxicick  Jonnuit. 

[*  The  site  of  this  I'orinal  ineeting  of  the  two  generals,  is  generally  believed  to 
liave  been  w  I'erc  an  old  elm  stands,  im  the  main  street  in  the  village  of  8cliiiyler- 
vlllo.  This,  liowever.  is  a  mistake.  It  was  a  few  rods  south  by  east  of  the  present 
(Schuyler  mansion.  Tlie  t'liamiilain  canal  now  passes  over  the  exact  spot  where 
the  two  generals  stood.] 


IX  TUB  AMERICAlf  REVOLVTION. 


191 


wliich  were  the  lines,  having  also  a  strong  ahatis  in  their  front 
The  left  wing  rested  upon  a  height  on  tlie  top  of  whieh  was 
the  so  called  sehool  house.  This  also  was  covered  by  an  abatis 
extending  to  the  bottom  of  the  hill.  The  heights  were  as  steep 
in  the  rear,  as  in  the  front  of  the  lines;  and  upon  these  heights 
stood  the  army  behind  still  other  fortifications. 

This  sauic  day,  the  troops  marched  to  the  ground,  where,  on 
the  8th,  the   army  had    left   its   position,  the   same   spot,  in 
fact,  where  their  pontoons  had  been  thrown  across  tin;   river. 
The   following  day  they  encamped  at  this  spot,  the  generals 
going  on  as  far  as  Stillwater,  six  miles  beyond.     On  the  next 
day  (the  18th)  the  other  troops  under  the  protection  of  a  bri- 
gade, commanded  by  the  American  general,  t)  lover,  also  arrived 
there.     They  were  to  have  continued  their  march  across  the 
Hudson  the  same  day,  but  there  being  a  scarcity  of  rafts,  only 
the  English  were  sent  across.     The  latter  accordingly  bivouacked 
on  the  other  side,  the  Germans  remaining  on  this.     General 
lliedesel    continued    his    march    twenty-five   miles    further   to 
Albany    in   the  company  of  General    (Jlover.     Here  he   met 
Generals  BurgoyAe  and  I'hillips.     An  adjutant  of  the  former. 
Lieutenant  AVillford,  had  been  sent  in  advance  to  Albany,  in 
order  to  ask  General  Gates  whether  a  few  of  the  German  offi- 
cers couhhiot  be  exchanged  according  to  the  treaty,  and  return 
to  Canada.     The  American  general  answered  that  he  could  not 
exchange  any  more  until  he   had  received  the  necessary  orders 
regarding  it  from  General  Washington,  since  it  had  only  been 
a  matter  of  courtesy  on  his  part  toward  (ieneral  IJurgoyne  and 
his  army,  that  he  had  permitted  three  Knglish  officers  to  leave 
the  army.     This,  however,  did  not  include  the  ({ernian  officers 
as  he  had  already  stated. 

General  Burgoyne,  tlyL>reupon,  at  the  solicitation  of  lliedesel, 
who  considered  the  German  troops  slighted  on  this  occasion, 
again  appealed  to  General  (iates.  (Ieneral  Uiedcscl  justly 
perceived  in  this  negligence  toward  the  German  officers  a  par- 
tiality. 


tm' 


« 


'1 


WW 


IDii 


MAJOR  OENEIiAL  lilEnESEL 


On  the  joiiriioy  to  Albany,  they  pas^sed  by  TTalf  IMiion  on 
tlic  Moliawk.  Tliis  post  was  manned  by  nearly  4.(M)(>  men, 
under  the  direction  of  Gates,  i'or  the  purpose  of  covering  his 
rear,  and  also  for  the  sake  of  havin<!;  a  position  to  fall  back  upon 
in  case  of  a  retreat.     It  was  well  selected  and  fortified. 

(Jenerals  JJurgoyne  and  Riedesel  took  up  their  abode  at 
Albany,  in  (ieneral  Schuyler's  house,  the  same  jicneral  whose 
liouse  and  mills  at  Saratoga  had  been  destroyed  by  the  former. 
Kurgoyne,  embarrassed  by  the  friendly  manner  in  which  he  was 
received,  expressed  his  regret  to  the  American  general  in  regard 
to  this  circumstance,  and  endeavored  to  excuse  himself.  Where- 
upon, Schuyler  smilingly  answered  that  it  did  not  much  matter, 
for  in  war,  it  could  not  be  otherwise ;  an  answer  which,  cer- 
tainly, betrayed  a  noble  trait  of  character. 

(ieneral  Schuyler  was  a  descendant  of  a  Holland  family. 
lie  was  married  to  a  rich  American  lady,  and  was  in  prosperous 
and  happy  circumstances.  After  the  surrender  of  Ticonderoga 
he  rallied  the  fragments  of  St.  Clair's  brigade,  and  with  these 
and  a  few  militia  men,  whom  he  had  also  gathered,  went  to  Half 
Moon.  Out  of  this  grew  the  army,  which  was  afterward  under 
the  command  of  Gates,  Schuyler  having,  in  the  meantime, 
resigned. 

The  inhabitants  of  Albany — a  city,  at  that  time,  containing 
eight  hundred  houses — were  rich,  and  mostly  loyal  to  the 
cause  of  the  king ;  and  it  was  for  this  reason  that  a  strong- 
garrison  of  American  troops  were  stationed  here,  and  a  fort 
erected. 

On  the  20th.  tlic  two  nationalities  of  the  ro^-al  army  se})a- 
rated ;  the  Knglish  regiments  going  to  the  left,  across  the 
(ireen  mountains  toward  Stockbridge,  and  the  (ierman  troops 
across  the  green  woods.  The  latter  ci'ossed  the  Iliulson  this 
day,  and  marched,  under  the  escort  of  a  militia  regiment,  com- 
manded by  (^ilonel  Uied,  to  Schaticoke.  At  Albany,  they 
learned  that  General  Clinton  had  actually  taken  z-H'^opus  a  few 
days  since  and  burned  it,  but,  hearing  of  the  fate  of  the  army 


IX  TllK  AMKItlCW  UKVOI.Vl'lOS. 


10:5 


of  ('luiiida.  liiul  not  (l;ii't'(l  to  ud  I'lirtlii'i-.     On  tlic  sjiiik'  day  (tlie 
2()tli).  tlie  (ieniiiin.s  cii('aiii|ic'(l  near  New  City. 

On  the  21st.  IJiiruiiyiic  (lis|)atclii'(l  liis  adjutant.  Lcird  IV'tcr- 
neii,  Captain  (iray  and  Cajitain  A'alency  to  New  ^'ork.  'J'o  tlio 
foruiei",  he  entrusted  his  dispatehes  to  tiio  siH-retary  of  war  in 
London,  in  which  he  announced  tlie.-^e  sad  events. 

'I'lie  contents  of  tiiis  document  are  familiar.  We  cannot, 
however,  omit  to  (jtiote  it  for  tiie  njason  tliat  (Jeneral  |{ie<h'.sel 
ha.s  made  notes  to  his  transhition.  which  are  of  ^reat  interest  so 
far  us  they  contradict  several  points  in  |{urj:oync's  dispatch, 
and  place  them  in  another  liaht.      Ft  reads  as  follows  : 

'■  My  liord  :  There  was  no  possihility.  since  X\\(-.  Itth  of  Sep- 
tember, when  I  sent  my  last  reiiort.  to  send  letters  to  yciur 
excellency.  I  have  now.  my  lord,  to  announce  t')  you  the 
events  which  have  taken  place  in  the  army  under  my  command 
since  my  last  rcjtort ;  a  series  of  hard  work,  bloody  engage- 
ments and  unceasinj;'  troubles. 

■•  3Iy  only  hope,  after  the  savages  had  entirely  disserted  me, 
consisted  in  a  final  cooperation  with  the  other  army.  'I'lie 
regular  troops  having  melted  down  by  many  engagements  to 
3,r)l)()  men,  of  wliom  scarcely  2.(Jt)(>  were  Knglisii.  witli  siiort 
ratimis  for  only  three  days,  and  surrounded  by  over  sixteen 
thou.sand  enemies,  without  a  i)ossiliility  of  retreat.  I  was 
forced  to  call  a  council  of  war.  by  whose  unanimous  voice  I 
entered  into  negotiations  with  (leiieral  (iates.  1'he  inclosed 
documents  will  show  what  an  unexpectiMl  answer  I  received 
from  the  American  general ;  and  tlu^  noble  resolution  of  the 
council  of  war,  upon  its  reception,  will  certainly  evoke  the 
esteem  of  my  lord  toward  that  council. 

'•  JJefore  entering  u}ion  the  details  of  these  invents.  [  consider 
it  my  duty  to  remark  that  I  took  the  re.s[ionsibiiity  upon  myself 
alone,  of  endeavoring  to  cross  the  Iludsun  and  I'orce  a  jiassage 
to  Albany.  I  did  not  consider  myself  justified  at  that  time  in 
calling  a  council  of  war,  because  express  iu'(lers  and  the  sisison 
forbade  such  a  course. 

25 


104 


MAJon  GEN  Kit  Ah  niKDKSEL 


.  •■  Af'tor  c'lilk'cting  priivi><iini.s  fur  thirty  days.  1)osi(leis  otlu-r 
iKM'ssiirit's  fcir  tlio  expedition,  and  after  biiildiiii:'  lirid^cs  and 
fit'ttinj-'  tiigetiier  the  re(jiiiwite  niunhiir  of  liateaii.x.  I  enissed  the 
Hiulsdii  on  the  llith  and  14th  of  Septeniljer,  and  encamped  tlie 
army  on  the  heiglit.s  and  plains  of  Saratt)ga.  The  enemy  wa.s  at 
thin  time  near  Stillwater. 

••  On  the  \')t]\,  the  army  advanced  to  a  good  position  at  a  place 
called  Dovogat. 

'•On  the  Kith,  several  of  the  bridges  had  to  be  rebuilt  and 
repaired.  This  wa.'<  accordingly  done  by  a  jiiirty  under  a  strong 
guard.  .\t  the  same  time  a  reconnoitering  expedition  was 
undertaken. 

"On  the  17th.  the  army  advanced  further  to  a  point  three  or 
four  miles  distant  from  the  enemy,  building  bridges  on  its  march. 

"(hi  the  ISth.  the  enemy  was  seen  in  considerable  i'orce, 
having  come  out  with  the  intention  of  preventing  us  from 
building  bridges,  and  perhaps  of  giving  battle.  As  they  could 
use  on  us  no  artillery,  the  bridge  was  finished  under  a  scattering 
fire,  which,  however,  was  attended  with  inconsiderable  loss. 

"On  the  IDtli.  the  ])assage  across  t\\v  ravine  and  the  roads 
having  been  sufficiently  reconnoitered.  the  army  advanced  in 
the  following  lU'der:  llrigadier  (leiieral  Fraser,  supported  by 
the  corps  of  Hreymann.  the  better  to  cross  the  ravine  and  not 
lose  the  advantage  of  the  heights,  toolv  a  circuitous  route  to  the 
right,  and  afterward  covered  the  march  of  the  army  in  that 
direction.  This  corps,  accordingly,  marched  in  three  columns, 
having  the  provincials,  Canadians  and  savages  on  their  front 
and  flanks.  The  English  regiments  of  infantry,  led  by  myself, 
crossed  the  ravine  in  a  direct  southerK-  line  ;  and.  after  roachintr 
the  height,  formed  in  (unler  of  buttle,  in  order  to  give  Fraser's 
corps  time  to  make  the  longer  route,  and  also  to  ecjualize  the 
left  wing,  which,  under  (ieuerals  Phillips  and  Kiede.sel.  with 
the  artillery  and  baggage,  had  taken  the  valley  road  in  two 
columns.  Several  bridges  had  to  be  repaired  on  their  way. 
jMcanwhile,  the  47th  Regiment  covered  the  bateaux. 


/.V  Tllh:  A.UKJUVAX  JtEVOlJTIOX. 


lit.-) 


"After  tlu"  siuiiiil  liiiiis  luid  liwii  (lisi'lmvjrcd  at  two  o'dnck, 
as  hud  been  agreed  iiiimi  tiir  tlie  imrpdse  (if  iKitii'ying  the  other 
column  when  one  was  ready,  the  niareli  was  eontiiiiied.  8oon 
after,  a  few  patrols  of  tlie  enemy  tired  upon  the  advance  of  the 
English  regiments,  but  without  effeet.  After  an  Inuir's  march, 
however,  the  English  regiments,  forming  the  advance  guard, 
were  attacked  and  forced  to  retreat.  They  soon  rallied,  how- 
ever, and  were  j)ro})erly  supported. 

'■  As  soon  as  the  English  c(dunins  came  out  of  the  woods,  they 
dislodged  the  enemy  by  a  few  cannon  siiots  from  tlie  houses,  from 
the  windows  of  which  he  had  fired  upon  the  jiickets  ;  and  l$riga- 
dier  Fra.ser,  with  the  greatest  precision,  occupied  an  advantageous 
height  to  the  right  of  the  English  line. 

"At  the  same  time,  the  enemy,  who,  from  the  nature  of  the 
ground,  were  well  ac()uainted  with  our  march,  came  out  of  his 
entrenchments  intending  to  turn  our  right  wing ;  but,  being  foiled 
by  Fraser.  he  made  a  counter  marcli,  and  with  his  entire  force, 
attacked  the  English  left  wing.  This  movement  the  enemy  could 
the  easier  carry  out  without  our  knowledge,  as  the  country  was 
entirely  strange  to  us. 

"  Toward  tliree  o'clock,  the  three  English  regiments  were  seve- 
rally attacked.  This  charge  lasted  until  dark  ;  and  the  enemy 
being  constantly  reenforced  by  fresh  troojjs,  the  20tli.  21st  and 
62d  English  regiments  were  forced  to  remain  under  fire  without 
intermission  for  four  hours.  The  9th  Regiment  was  kept  as  a 
reserve.  The  Phiglish  grenadiers,  the  24th  Regiment  and  the 
light  infantry,  were  also  uiuler  fire  a  considerable  length  of 
time.     All  these  corps  fought  with  their  usual  bravery. 

"  The  Brunswick  yiigers  and  the  corps  of  IJreyuiann  were  also 
of  great  use ;  but  it  was  found  necessary  for  them  to  occupy 
the  heights  just  left  by  Fraser.  Thus,  they  were  used  only 
singly  and  occasionally. 

'•Major  General  Phillips,  upon  first  hearing  the  firing,  made 
his  way  through  dense  woods,  taking  with  him  Major  Williams. 
I  owe  him  many  thanks  for  his  counsels  and  his  timely  and  per- 


190 


MAJOlt  (IK.\KI!.\  I  lilKDEsEL 


tinont  assistanc't'.  csiicciiilly  in  iciu'wiiifr  tlii^  attnck  in  «  very 
critical  inoincnt.  and  in  tlic  way  in  wliich.  unniiiKUul  of  liis 
tiwn  safety,  lio  led  tin;  :i(ltii  lii'^inicnt. 

"General  lliedoscl  worked  hard  in  hiinuinu  ii|)  a  ))art  of  the 
left  winj:'.  and  arrived  just  in  time  to  attack  the  enemy  with 
determination  and  hraverv.  at  the  moment  that  the  left  win"; 


was 


sorely  pressed  hy  the  enemy.     The  latter  retreated  in  all 
directions,  leaving  u.-*  the  hattle  ficdd  with  five  hundred  dead, 


an( 


1  tl 


iree  times 


that 


numiier  wouni 


led 


his  side.     Owiny  to 


the  darkness,  we  took  hut  Ir 


ew  iirisoners. 


"  The  comluct  of  officers  and  privates  has  ))een  e.vcellent 
throughout.  Hriiradier  (ieneral  Fraser  took  his  jiosition  Avith 
much  juduinent.  (Ieneral  Hamilton  was  eniiasicd  constantly,  and 
accjuitted  himself  with  much  honor.  The  artillery  distinj;uished 
itself;  and  the  ))rigade  artillery,  under  Captain  Jones  who  was 
shot  dead,  did  e.xtremely  well. 


The  army  laid  on  their 


duriu"-  the  niuht  and  the  follow- 


ing' day.  and  suhse(|iu'ntly  took  u])  an  entrenched  position  within 


cannii 


n  shot  of  the  enemy.     The  right  winj;  was  covere 


d  hy  a 
stronj:-  redouht;  and  the  left  win<j  marched  on  to  the  plain  to 


Cover  the  stream  which 


th 


runs  tnrou 


:h   it.     He 


ere  also  was  our 


hospital,  the  47th  Heginient.  the  reiiimi'nt  Hesse  Ifanau  and  a 
corps  of  jtrovincials  I'ucaniped  for  areater  safety  on  the  plains. 

"  AVe  foinid  that  the  victory  of  the  li)th  had  hronjiht  us  no 
other  advantaj!e  than  honor;  for  the  (^nemy.  iisinjrall  energy  in 
fortifying  his  left  and  right  wings,  had  rendered  the  latter  already 
impregnahlc. 

"  On  (uir  side.  also,  it  was  neces.sary  to  throw  up  redouhts  hoth 
on  the  heights  and  on  the  plain,  where  were  our  hospitals  and 
depots.  Tiieir  latter  dci'enses  were  needed  not  only  to  secure  the 
hospital  against  attack,  hut  to  make  sure  of  a  defensive  position 


in  ca.seour  army  .should  make  a  move  ayainst  the  en 


On  the  21st.  a 


emy  i 


flank 


messenger  arrived  with  a  letter  in  cipher 
from  (ieneral  Clinton,  wherein  he  notified  me  that  he  intended 
to  attiick  Fort  Montgomery  in  ten  days.     The  letter  was  dated 


/.V  yy/A'  AMKIIIVAX  ItKVOUriU.X. 


197 


the  Hlth  uf  St^i.toiiibor.  Tliis  i.s  tlu'  only  letter  tluit.  I  luive 
received  of  tli(!  iiiiiny  wliieli.  peilnips.  iiiiiy  luive  boon  sent  l)y 
Sir  AViUiam  llnwe  aiul  (leiierai  Clinton.  The  niesHenger  was 
sent  haek  the  same  nijiht,  to  inform  (Jeneral  Clinton  of  the 
critical  position  in  which  I  was,  and  of  the  necessity  of  a  diver- 
sion on  his  part  in  order  to  force  (n^ieral  (Jutes  to  detach  some 
troops  from  his  army.  The  letter  also  stated  that  I  was  deter- 
iiiined,  if  possible,  to  wait  till  the  12th  of  October  for  hapj.y 
events. 

"On  the  two  followinu-  days,  two  disjiiiised  officers  were  sent 
by  different  roads  with  the  verbal  me.<saf;(!  that  I  still  continued 
to  fortify  my  camp,  and  keep  wat'h  of  the  enemy  who  were 
daily  increasiii---  in  stren.nth.  On  the  :!d  October,  I  found  it 
iieces.sary  to  cut  ditwn  the  rations  of  the  soldiers  in  oi'dcr  to 
uiake  our  provisions  last  longer.  This  was  accepted  by  the 
army  without  the  Ica.st  murmuring. 

"The  difficulties  cimnccted  with  a  retreat  into  Canada  was 
easily  to  be  seen  ;  and  even  if  it  had  l)een  possible.  I  did  not 
wish  to  place  General  Gates  in  a  position  to  operate  against 
Sir  William  Howe.  The.se  circumstances  caused  me  to  retain 
this  position  against  all  risks  as  long  as  possible.  T  reasoned 
with  myself  thus.  The  expedition,  which  1  command,  is.  ac- 
cording to  the  judgment  of  everybody  an  hazardous  one. 
Circum.stance^  may  take  place,  which  will  enable  (Jeneral  Outes 
to  form  a  junction  with  (Jeneral  Washingtcm,  the  consequence 
of  which  uiay  make  the  whole  war  a  failure  on  our  part.  The 
unsuccessful  union  with  (General  Clinton  and  the  impossibility 
of  a  retreat  into  Canada  is  only  an  accidental  misfortune. 

"  I  remained  in  this  positiim  up  to  the  7th  of  October.  I 
received  no  iutelligeuce  in  regard  to  the  expected  junction,  and 
the  term  of  my  stay  in  that  place  would  expire  in  five  days.  It 
was  considered  advisable  to  make  a  movement  against  the  left 
wing  of  the  enemy  for  the  puri)ose  of  ascertaining  whether  or 
no  it  was  possible  to  find  a  road  by  which  this  junction  could 
be  effected,  or  the  enemy  dislodged  on  his  left  wing. 


{\ 


K 


n — r 


lOS 


MA.ioit  <ii-:sh:itAr.  /,■//■:/>/■>■/■:/, 


•■  A  (Icfjicliiiii'iif  lit'  I. ;')(>((  men  witli  two  t\v('lvi'|)iiiinilci'M.  nix 
Kix-|inuiRl('i'saii(l  tWK  liii\vif/,(^rs.  under  my  cimilnand.  wns  ordered 
til  iniircli.  1  WiiH  iieeoni]mnied  liy  (ienerals  JMiillips.  Kiedesol 
and  IJrij;adier  (ieiieral  h'raser.  Tin-  ciiminand  nf  tlie  vij;lit  winji; 
ill  eam|i  was  jiiven  tii  I5rij;adier  (Jeneral  llainiltiin  ;  file  left  to 
JJi'i^adier  (ieiieral  Speeht  ;  and  tlu!  e<iiitre  to  Mrijiadier  tJall. 
The  t'liices  nf  the  enemy,  includinu  their  camp  opposite  to  ours, 
amounted  to  double  our  niimher.  Thus  the  .strcnj;th  of  the 
detached  cominand  could  not  he  made  stronifcr  than  the  above 
;j,iven  iiuniher.  I  funned  the  marchinj;  corps  when  within 
three-quarters  uf  a  mile  of  tlu!  enemy's  loft  win>;.  Captain 
Fraser's  corps,  with  the  savap'S.  Canadiaiis  and  iirovineials, 
had  orders  to  march  thmufih  tin;  woods  toward  the  left  wing  of 
till?  enemy,  that  by  this  movement  they  might  keep  the  enemy 
in  check. 

"  We  were  prevented  from  advancing  any  further  by  an  at- 
tack of  the  enemy  on  our  left  wing,  when?  the  Knglish  grena- 
diers stood  to  i'iiv(>r  our  lel't  flank.  Major  Ackland  of  the 
grenadiers  withstood  the  attack  firmly  ;  liut  it  was  inipo,s,sible 
for  him  to  prevent  the  enemy  extending  his  attack  to  the 
<Tcrmans  who  were  stationed  close  to  tin?  gren.idiers.  Want  of 
troops  made  it  impossible  to  form  a  second  line  to  support  the 
attack  on  the  left  wing.  Hitherto  our  right  wing  had  not  been 
attacked ;  but  we  soon  found  that  the  enemy,  with  a  strong 
column,  was  marching  around  our  right  wing  in  order  to  turn 
it  and  cut  off  our  retreat.  The  light  infantry  and  the  24th 
l\cgiinent  were,  therefore,  ordered  to  form  a  second  Hue,  and 
cover  the  retreat  to  our  camp. 

"  While  tliis  movement  was  in  progress,  the  enemy,  who  had 
been  roenforced,  nuide  a  second  attack  upon  our  left  wing,  which, 
by  a  superiority  of  numbers,  was  forced  to  retreat.  Whereupon, 
the  light  infantry  and  the  24th  I'egiment  were  obliged  to  move 
quickly  forward  to  cover  that  portion  of  the  troops  which,  other- 
wise, would  have  been  cut  ol^'.  It  was  here,  that  lirigadier  Fraser 
was  mortally  wounded. 


rx  riiK .iMKiiic.w nKvouTiDX. 


1!>9 


"Tlio  tliiii^'cr.  wliicli  iicpw  tlireati'iifil  our  wlndo  cainii,  WiiM  of 
siifli  ii  iiiitiiiv,  tlmt  I  scii(  Di'diTS  t((  (IcntTiils  IMiillips  mid  IJicd- 
ewel  to  I'livcr  tlu'  rt'tri^iit.  This  order  was  cxcciiti'd  with  tlic 
greiitest  prociNloii.  Tlic  (Mriiioii,  iiinhT  the  I'oiiiiiiiiinl  of  Major 
AVilliaiiis.  had  to  lio  left  heliiiid,  all  thu  liorscs  and  most  of  tlic 
artillfryiiieii  ht'iiij;'  i-itluT  dead  or  woiimh'd. 

■•  Sfarci'ly  liad  tlio  troojis  readied  tlieir  eaii!]>,  wlieii  it  was 
Htorniod  h_v  tlie  eiieiny.  Tlie  hitter  advaiieed.  iiii(h'r  tlie  lire  ol' 
imisketrv.  <iv:\\w  """'  eaiiister.  ajiaiiist  our  lines,  hut  thev  heini;- 
defended  with  much  valor  hy  my  Lord  IJalearras  eommandin>;' 
the  li^iht  infantry  and  a  part  of  a  detaelnnent  of  this  expedi- 
tion, till!  enemy,  led  hy  <ieneral  Armdd.  was  repulsed  and  their 
leader  himself  wiuinded  rnfortunately.  the  enemy  eajitiired 
the  entrenehuKUits  of  the  (jernian  rt'serve  under  Jjieutenant 
Ooliuiel  Hreyiiiann.  who  was  shot  dead.  In  spite  of  my  order 
to  retake  these  redoubts,  it  was  in  no  wise  exeeuted.  Hy  this 
misfortune,  a  road  was  let't  opi'ii  for  the  enemy  to  fall  upon  our 
right  flank  and  rear.     Night  eoming  on  ended  this  aft'air. 

■'In  this  sad  plight,  the  army  was  ordered,  during  the  night, 
to  leave  its  present  position,  and  oeeupy  the  heights  around  our 
liospital.  a  moveiuent  wliieli  eomjielled  the  enemy  to  take  up  an 
entirely  new  position.  This  movement,  with  all  the  teams  and 
artillery,  was  carried  out  without  any  loss ;  and,  on  the  8th,  we 
oflered  battle  to  the  enemy  in  (uir  new  position.  I'ereeiving, 
however,  that  they  intended  t^)  turn  our  right  flank,  and  as 
nothing  but  a  retreat  to  Saratoga  e(aild  hinder  this  movement, 
the  army  started  at  nine  o'eloek  in  the  evening,  (leneral  Kied- 
esel  led  the  advance,  and  (ieneral  I'liillips  the  rear  guard. 

"This  retreat,  with  the  artillery  and  baggage,  was  accom- 
plished under  a  fire  of  musketry  from  the  eiu;my,  without, 
however,  the  slightest  loss.  But  we  experienced  the  greatest 
difficulty  in  transporting  the  1)ateaux.  A  severe  rain  storm 
prevented  the  army  from  reaching  Saratoga  on  this  night; 
neither  could  the  artillery  and  baggage  cross  the  l''islikill  the 
following  day. 


,  ^-f- 


rr-ff 


L'Ul» 


MA.ioit  (,h:.\i:i!M.  itih:i>t:sh:i, 


"  When    Wr    <'lllllf    lUMl'  S:iriltnHM,  M  Cdl'lPS  III'  (lie   clli'lliy,  coll- 

nisliii;;  III' live  nrsix  liuinlicil  iiini.  wmm  iiuticcij  ii|miii  tin;  lu'ii;litH 
ill  tilt'  viciiiitv  III'  Hii'  linrnu'k.x  ;  liiil  tlii'V  iit  miri'  ictrcatcd  iicrosH 
tile  lliiilsiiii  iiinl  riiriii(>(l  II  jiiiictiiiii  with  ti  lU'tMchiiiciit  nl'  iiinilhcr 
nii'|)s  III!  till'  ii|i|iii.<4itr  side  iit'tlic  I'ivt'l', 

■'<>ii  till'  llltli,  it  \V!is  ciiiihiiilcii'il  iiilvifiilih'  to  scud  wnrkiii;; 
iiii'ii.  midci'  ii  stnui^'  csciii't.  in  advance  tu  repair  tlic  liridp's 
and  riiad.H  h-adinu  In  Kurt  i'ldwiird.  '{"lie  ciii'|is  ul'  ('a|itain 
i-'rascr  and  McKay,  and  the  ITtli  IU';;inicnt  were  di.x|iatched  I'nr 
tills  |inr|iiisc.  Hilt  the  eiicniy's  army  advancin;:'  and  iiccii|iyiiijr 
the  htdfihtM  III!  the  utlior  .side  of  the  Kinhkil!  with  the  ulijcct  nl' 
criissiiij;-  the  river  and  niakinjr  an  attack,  this  dctachnieiit  was 
ordcreil  hack.  The  jiniviiicials  were  left  liehind  at  tile  lirst 
hrid^zc.  wliicli  needed  repairs,  lint  licinu'  attacked,  tliey  ran 
away,  and  thus  the  wnrkinir  party  cnnld  imt  cninplcte  the 
lirid^c.  Diirin^i  this  retreat,  several  liatcaux  were  cajitiircd  liy 
tlie  cneiiiy.  and  a  iininlicr  nl'  the  men  wlm  <ziiardcd  them  killed 
or  wniinded. 

••(►n  the  11th.  the  attack  nil  the  bateaux  was  renewed. 
Several  of  tliem  were  taken  and  retaken  ;  lint  the  innxiniity  nl' 
the  enemy  made  it  impnssiiile  I'nr  lis  tn  dH'inid  them  any  loiiMcr, 
and  it  was  tht^rel'iire  ordered  that  the  jirovisions  should  he 
brniijiht  nil  liind.  a  eiiiiimaiid.  which,  under  the  ninsketry  lire 
nt'tlie  enemy,  was  executed  only  willi  the  urealest  dilViciilty. 

•• 'IMie  pns.siliilily  nl'  a  I'lirtlier  retreat  was  iinw  discussed  liy  a 
cniincil  nl' war  cini.sistiiifr  nl'  the  ficni'rals.  The  minntes  nl'this 
c'niiiicil  are  herewith  inclnscd. 

•  It  was  tlinin:lit  that  the  mily  chance  of  a  retreat  was  in  this 
plan,  vi/ :  That  I lu' soldiers  slimild  carry  their  ralinns  ;  that 
the  artillery  and  t)aj:i:a<:t' should  1m'  left  behind;  and  that  the 
passau('  of  tho  viver  should  be  ctt'ected  abnvo  Fort  Kdward. 

••  IJefore,   however,  such  a  movement    could  be   carried   nut.-, 
some  patrnls.  wlm  had  been  sent  out.  returned  and  aiiiiounced 
that  the  enemy  was  stmnuly  fortified  upon  tlie  heijihts  of  Fort 
Edward,  and  that  he  was  also  encamped  in  eoiisiderublo  force 


i.\  riiK  .1  MEiticAs  ith:\)iUTi(>.\. 


2111 


bt'twi'cii  l''(irt  Kdwiinl  ami  l.iikc  (i('nr;i;c.'  Tlic  ii|i|Mi!<itc  biiiik 
wiiH  likewise  Dccujiii'd  liy  (IctiK-liiiiciitH  nl'  the  ciifiiiy  ;  wliilc  nii 
tluH  niilo  iil'tlK!  river,  tlicir  iirinv  wnn  hh  iiciir  us.  tliiit  it  wiis  im- 
|MiH.>*il)le  tiir  (iiir  tnmji.H  to  nmrcli  a  iiiiic  witlmiit   liciii':  ilcfcctctl. 

"  .AFi'iiiiwIiili',  flic  iiriiiy  of  tlic  fiiciiiv  iliiilv  jiffw  sfnui^rfr  l'.V 
new  iiri'ivalH  dl'  militia  ami  vuliiiiti'ci's.  until  it  was  cslimatt'd 
iiltu^utluT  at  Hi, (MM)  nii'ii.  lii.s  iiusitiiiii  was  liu'im'd  in  tlii^ 
Hliaiic  III'  a  crcsfciit,  und  was  surnuindrd  im  all  sidi^s  by  .><iicdi 
natural  strniii;  lidlds,  tliat  it  <'i)uld  nut  lie  attacked  with  any 
poMsiliility  III'  success.  In  this  sitiiatiim  nui-  army  timk  iiji  the 
beut  jxisitiim  which  it  could  find;  and  cntrenclu-d  itself  in  the 
htipo  (if  succor;  or,  failing  in  this,  in  the  ne.\t  best  \\i>\)v.  of 
bt-'ing  attack(^(l  by  the  t^ncniy.  Din-ing  the  whole  uf  this  time 
the  army  rested  on  its  arms,  being  canunnihlcd  from  all  sides. 
Yes,  the  enemy's  rifles  reaelu'd  (!vcn  the  liiu'  itsel!';  hapjiily, 
however,  without  great  effect. 

"  .\ccurate  nieasurenieiits  of  tlu^  pnivisifius  still  on  hand  were 
nmde^  and  after  tin;  conditii)n  of  the  army  had  been  written 
down,  a  eiiuncil  uf  war  was  called,  in  which  were  included  tl  e 
battalion  and  corps  conimamlers.  The  inclosed  dociiincii^  con- 
tains the  result  of  this  council,  a  n^suit  which  was  inevitable 
in  our  situation  and  ought  to  bi'  conslihired  honoruble.  After 
the  convention  with  Oeneral  dates  had  bcMi  concluded,  the 
latter  showed  me  his  army,  and  I  had  the  consolatimi  to  have 
as  numy  witnesses,  as  my  army  numbered  men,  to  tlie  fact  that 
its  numbers  were  oven  greater  than  I  have  just  now  reported. - 

"  I  take  the  liberty  of  referring  you  for  further  particular.s 
to  the  verbal  report  of  my  adjutant,  my  Lord  IVterson,'  and 
avail  my.self  of  this  uecasinn  to  recommend  him  to  the  favorabhi 
consideration  of  his  majesty.  This  noble  man.  with  his  great 
talents,  is  capable  of  rendering  great  .services  to  his  country. 
His  conduct,  during  the  last  campaign,  was  such  as  to  earn  for 


•  This  \va«  tlie  force  under  Stark,  alludcrt  to  In  Uledescl'e  diary,  a  fi'w  pn^'cH  buck. 
"I.e.,  10,000. 
a  Patereon. 

26 


*. 


iliii' 


202 


MAJOR  OENEIiAL  BIEDESEL 


him  the  applauise  of  cverybudy ;  and  I  am  convinced  that  his 
merits  are  (sufficient  to  procure  for  him  the  same  advantage  and 
honor  wliich  officers  usually  receive  who  announce  ausjiiciouH 
tidinffs. 

'•  1  also  append  a  statement  of  tlie  dead  and  wounded,  which, 
lu)wcver.  T  cannot  claim  as  perfectly  accurate,  since  the  sepa- 
ration of  tlie  troops  has  made  it  entirely  impossilile  to  <iive  it 
correctly.  The  Ku<;lish  officers  have  spilled  their  blood  iu 
profusion  and  with  honor;  and  all  who  have  fallen  are  worthy 
men,  anionj^  whom  the  patriotic  character  of  Major  (ieneral 
Fraser  will  long  be  cherished  by  this  army.  Nor  are  those  of 
the  army  who  are  still  alive  to  be  less  honored. 

'•The  life  of  a  fi'cneral  is  more  exposed  by  reason  of  the  kind 
of  warfare  carried  on  liere.  than  elsewhere.  Notwithstanding 
which,  I  have  had  the  good  fortune  to  remain  alive.  AVhether 
I  shall  consider  the  salvation  of  my  life  as  a  fortune  or  a  mis- 
fortune, depends  on  the  de<'ision  of  his  majesty,  in  regard  to 
my  conduct,  and  upon  the  judgment  of  those  wlio  understand 
the  military  profession ;  also  upon  that  of  the  im])artial  and 
respectable  portiou  of  my  countrymen. 

'■  I  am,  etc., 

"  Bl'RdOYNE." 

"  1\  8,  The  inclosed  is  an  accurate  copy  of  that  which  I 
have  sent  by  my  Lord  Petersen.  Captain  (Jray.  the  bearer  of 
tliis,  is  an  officer  of  great  merii,  and  is  especially  worthy  of 
recommendation,  since  he  has  served  with  great  diligence  and 
integrity  in  this  laborious  campaign  in  spite  of  a  wound  which 
he  received  at  Hubert  town,  and  which  is  not  yet  entirely 
cured."' 


I  Thli*  wap  a  copy  sent  to  Lord  SI.  fleiniaiii.  C'nplaiii  (iiay  was  dii^paltiicd  with 
it,  in  c'ljie  Lord  I'clornun  Klioiild  meet  Willi  any  luiHl'ortmn;  in  carrying  tlie  other 
difpatehcs.—  Note  to  original. 


IX  nff;  A31ERIGAX  REVOLUTION. 


203 


"NuTKs  oi.'  (Ieneuai-  Uiedkskl  to  this  JXk'UMKNT. 

"  Flral.  Tlic  expressidii  in  (Jencral  IJiii-ijoyiie's  disputcli.  ^  of 
irhir/i  ^rid-rrlij  2,0()(»  u-rr(.'  EiujUalntun'  is  painful.  Ak  if  1,500 
Geniiiiiis  made  the  aruiy  less  respectable  than  it  would  have 
been  if  it  had  consisted  of  Englishmen  only.  The  successful 
aid  which  tlie  (Jcrnian  troops  rendered  the  Knj;lish  at  Hubert 
town,  and  ajiiiin  on  the  lllth  of  Sei)teniher,  should  rather 
augment  the  attachment  and  love  between  the  two  nations  ; 
and  the  Knglish  in  this  army  owe  it  to  their  (icnnun  comrades 
in  arms,  to  hold  them  in  high  esteem,  especially  after  IJrigadicr 
Fraser  expressed  his  heartfelt  thanks  to  them  upon  the  termi- 
nation of  the  action  at  Hubert  town,  and  after  the  public  decla- 
ration of  Brigadier  Hamilton,  that  the  (ierman  troops  had 
saved  him.  Indeed,  the  prai.^es  ofOeneral  Burgoyne,  in  the 
order  which  he  issued,  ought  to  kill  the  poison  in  this  ex- 
pression. 

•'  SridiiiUj/.  When  the  attack  on  the  column  of  ("lencral 
Burgoyne  had  commenced,  and  when  General  I'hillips  came 
from  the  left  wing,  no  one  knew  where  General  Fraser  was. 
This  makes  a  slight  ditfercucc  as  regards  the  praise  which  is 
given  to  the  latter,  that.  '  he  had  taken  his  position  to  the  right 
of  the  English  regiments  with  precision.' 

"  It  is  to  lie  presumed  that  the  enemy  knew  nothing  of  Gene- 
ral Fraser,  and  that  it  was  never  the  intention  of  the  enemy  to 
attack  this  corps,  but  rather  to  turn  the  left  wing  of  Burgoyne. 
If,  therefore,  the  reported  c/yo/'o^.s' attack  of  t!ic  English  grena- 
diers and  the  24th  Regiment  had  been  more  vigorous,  and  had 
taken  phu-e  at  the  riglittime.  the  20th.  21st  and  02d  Regiments, 
uniKu' the  brave  Brigadier  General  Hamilton,  would  not  have 
been  forced  to  withstand  a  -severe  lire  lasting  four  hours,' 
which  ruined  them,  but  did  not  make  them  retreat. 

■•  Tlilvtll)/.  It  is  not  to  be  denied  that  the  presence  of  General 
Phillips  did  much  to  withstand  the  attack  ;  nor,  further,  is  it  to 
be  gainsaid  that  his  counsel  was  of  much  use.     Xor,  again,  is 


■nr 


\: :  ^ 


204 


MA.Jon  UK.\i:ilA  L  lllKflKSKL 


it  ti(  1)1'  (Icnit'd  tli;it  .M.ijur  Williaiiis's  i-niiihu-t  wa.s  praisi'wnrthy. 
Still,  it  JM  (littieult  to  say  wlu'thfi-  it  was  aflvisablc  tor  the  latter 
to  leave  his  post,  where  his  presence  AV(tukl  have  been  of  great 
service  in  case  of  an  attack  from  the  enemy,  lint  as  re<i;ards 
the  four  cannon  which  .Major  Williams  is  said  to  have  brought 
with  him.  let  me  say  that  this  must  be  a  mistake,  for  these  four 
cannon  were  still  found  at  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening  on  the 
road.  Perhaps  the  two  six-jjounders  were  meant  that  Captain 
licusch  brought  up.  and  witii  which  he  renewed  the  cannonading 
that  had  almost  ceased,  in  conse(|uence  of  most  of  the  English 
artillerymen  being  either  dead  or  wounded. 

"  Fmuilili/.  (Jencral  Uiedosel.  who  could  have  arrived  an  hour 
sooner  had  he  received  the  long  wished  for  order,  brought  up  a 
part  of  the  left  wing  just  at  the  critical  moment,  when  the  enemy 
having  made  an  attack  on  the  left  wing  of  ]{rigadier  General 
Hamilton,  the  latter  was  withstanding  it  wit'i  great  courage, 
but  in  momentary  expectation  of  being  driven  back. 

'•The  advantage  gained  by  falling  on  the  riglit  flank  of  the 
enemy,  and  his  astonishment  at  being  attacked  by  fresh  troops, 
who.  with  closed  ranks,  delivered  a  regular  fire,  caused  their 
riglit  wing  to  retreat  ;  and  a  fresh  attack  by  Hamilton  at  the 
same  time,  gave  us  '  'omplete  victory,  which  could  have  been 
attended  with  the  capture  of  many  prisouers.  had  not  night 
come  on. 

••  Fi/llili/.  'J'he  attempt  to  kirp  (iates  occupied  up  to  tlie  12th, 
in  order  to  prevent  his  making  another  move,  together  with  tlie 
desire  to  learn  mort;  of  the  condition  of  the  eneinj%  induced 
(ieneral  Hurgoym^  to  undertake  heavy  reconnoitering  expedi- 
tions in  spite  of  representations  to  him  of  the  critical  position 
in  which  both  he  and  the  army  were  j)laced.  The  constant 
presence  of  detaeliments  of  the  enemy  in  our  rear,  the  successful 
expedition  whereby  the  bridge  at  Saratoga  was  burned,  and  the 
corps  which  was  seen  on  the  other  sidi;  of  the  river  near  the 
Battenkill.  were  plain  indications  of  the  intention  of  the  enemy 
to  surround  us  and  cut  off  our  retreat  to  the  Battenkill  and 


/.\'  TlIK  AMKIilCAX  UEVOLVTIO.W 


205 


Fort  Efhviird.  Ndtwithstandinjj;,  however,  all  these  eritieiil 
events.  ]5iir<ioyrio.  by  false  or  pleasant  news,  was  prevented 
from  retreating  to  the  Ikttenkill  at  the  only  time  in  whieh  it 
was  possible  to  do  so.  This,  it  was  his  duty  to  have  done  under 
those  eircumstances,  especially  as  the  season  was  far  advanced, 
and  the  distance  to  New  York  was  so  <rreat.  that  a  junction  with 
an  army  eominfi  from  the  city  was  more  chimerical  than  pro- 
bable, i 

"  Incited  by  zeal.  General  Burgoyne  refused  to  retreat ;  and 
the  reconnoissance  (not  the  foraging  expedition  which  had  taken 
place  the  day  previous)  was  carried  out  on  the  7th  of  October. 
General  Burgoyne  formed  a  detachment.  three-((uartcrs  of  a 
mile  from  the  enemy's  left  wing,  in  a  miserable  position.  Not- 
withstanding we  were  close  to  the  enemy,  we  ciudd  see  nothing 
of  his  position  ;  nor  coidd  Captain  Frascr,  who  had  approached 
the  enemy  still  closer  by  a  circuitous  route  through  the  woods, 
discover  anything  of  him  either.  It  was.  tluu-efore,  resolved  to 
await  the  enemy  in  this  position.  3Ieanwhile.  General  Fraser, 
finding  two  houses  filled  with  forage,  seized  this  opportunity  to 
.send  to  the  eamp  after  a  corps  of  properly  accoutred  men  to 
capture  it. 

•■The  enemy  was  seen  in  small  bodies  while  we  were  waiting 
for  the  approach  of  evening.  We  were  amusing  ourselves  by 
firing  at  him  with  artillery,  when  suddenly  we  heard  the  fire  of 
musketry  on  our  left  wing  where  .Major  Ackland  was  posted 
with  all  the  Fnglish  grenadiers.  Shortly  after  this,  we  saw  the 
grenadiers  coming  back  in  confusion,  very  likely  discmiraged 
by  the  hws  of  their  bravo  commander.  3Iajor  Ackland,  who  had 
been  wounded  and  captured.  By  this  retreat,  the  left  wing  of 
the  German  command,  led  by  liieutenant  Colonel  Specht,  was 
exposed;  but  detachments  from  the  light  infantry  regiments  of 


'  The  roador  will  benr  in  mln<l  that  tliesL-  opinions  i)f  Ru-dcs,.]  arc  not  nivun  after 
the  event  when  it  is  so  easy  to  say  wlint  mUjhl  h<ire  bieii.  I'lveisely  these  views,  it 
will  be  i-enieniberoii,  he  iiad  urj,'e(l  upon  Burgoyne  l)efore  the  selfcoulldenee  of  the 
latter  had  miule  their  adoption  too  late. 


*  5^' 


206 


MAJOIi  OEXERAL  KIKDKSEL 


Hiiiiau  fuid  Rhotz  were  at  once  «eiit  iorwiird.  and  by  tlie  assist- 
ance of'tlie  ))rave  Major  Wolliam  and  the  Knjilish  artillery,  the 
position  was  maintained.  Captains  Fredersdorf,  Oleisenberg, 
])alilstern  and  (iailitz  of  Ilanati.  were  severely  wounded  on 
this  occasion,  and  the  Ilanaii  artillery  was  lost  by  tlio  retreat 
of  the  Knylish  fj;renadiers.  The  brave  Major  Forster,  with  two 
hundred  and  si.xty  En<;lish  {grenadiers,  with.stood  an  equally 
severe  fire  on  the  rijiht  win<i'. 

'•  Tn  this  critical  situation  of  affairs.  Mrigadier  (General  Fra.ser 
received  orders  to  succor  tlie  centre,  lie  arrived  witli  the  24tli 
Regiment,  and  was  mortally  wounded.  >Iy  Lord  IJalcarras  wa.s 
sent  to  anotlier  position  whereby  our  riglit  wing  was  exposed  in 
the  same  manner  that  the  left  had  been  during  the  whole  time. 
Notwithstanding  all  these  untoward  circumstances,  however, 
Major  Forster  and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Specht  kept  tlieir  posts 
until  IJurgoync  sent  orders  for  a  retreat,  which,  in  spite  of 
being  liard  pressed  by  tlu»  enemy,  they  executed  in  good  order. 
The  cannon  had  to  be  loft  behind,  as  the  horses  had  been  shot. 
and  mo.st  of  the  men  either  killed  or  wounded.  Major  Williams 
■was  captured.  According  to  the  order  of  Burgoyne,  we  were 
obliged  to  retreat  in  the  direction  of  the  great  redoubt  on  the 
right  wing  of  Fraser's  eanip.  Hut  scarcely  fiad  tlie  troops 
reached  tliis  redoubt,  wlien  it  was  attacked  by  tlie  enemy  with 
great  vigor  and  stormed.  On  our  side,  also,  it  was  defended 
with  great  valor. 

"  Every  one  knows  that  after  the  affair  at  Bennington,  Brey- 
mann's  corps,  on  the  IDtli  of  September  numbered  scarcely  five 
hundred  men.  Of  this  number  he  was  obliged  to  give  up  tliree 
liundred  men  to  the  detachment  which  was  sent  out  on  a  recon- 
noitering  expedition.  Thus  barely  two  hundred  men  remained 
with  liim.  With  this  small  band  he  defended  his  line  for  a 
long  while,  and  liieutenant  Clevo  reported  very  favorably  con- 
cerning tliis  post,  before  General  liiedesel  liad  been  sent  from 
this  position  to  the  left  wing. 

"  It  must  be  noticed  here,  that  the  left  wing  of  Breymann's 


■■■*   ». 


IN  TllK  AMKRWAN  SEYOLUriOX. 


207 


entrenchuiont  was  covered  by  two  houses  oeeupicd  by  Caiui- 
dians.  These  Canadians  were  ordered  to  join  the  reconnoi- 
terinj;'  detachment;  thus  the  liouses  were  empty  and  -.vitliout 
defense,  a  fact  of  whicli  Lieutenant  ("oK)nel  IJreymann  knew 
nothing. 

"  Profiting  by  this,  tlic  enemy  marched  through  this  opening, 
and  attacked  the  left  wing  of  IJreymann  on  tiie  kift  flank  and 
rear.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Breymann  was  shot  dead;  and  a 
handful  of  men  was  driven  back  with  the  loss  of  its  artillery, 
camp  and  baggage.  This  news  rcachetl  the  general  during  the 
absence  of  Kiedesel.  Jaeutenant  Colonel  8pecht.  urged  on  by 
harsh  and  cutting  words,  resolved,  in  order  to  save  the  lionor 
of  the  Germans,  to  retake  the  entrenchment,  but  his  detachment 
being  indiscriminately  mi.Ked  up  with  the  English  in  the  great 
redoiibt,  and  night  preventing  him  from  collecting  them  together, 
he  rallied  four  officers  and  about  fifty  men  with  whom,  sorely 
chafed  and  offended,  he  started,  half  in  despair,  to  attack  the 
enemy.  Unacquainted  with  the  road,  and  in  the  darkness  of  the 
night,  he  met  a  man  in  the  woods  who  pretended  to  belong  to 
the  company  of  McKay,  and  who  promised  to  lead  him  to  Brcy- 
mann's  corps.  But  this  man.  instead  of  keeping  his  promise, 
delivered  him  as  a  traitor  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  by 
whom  he  and  the  four  officers  were  captured.  The  uuni,  how- 
ever, discovering  the  treachery  of  their  guide  in  time,  made 
their  escape. 

"This  is  the  answer  to  the  severe  expression  of  (ieneral  Bur- 
goyne :  Uiifi/rtuiiatcli/  fhc  intrriii/inuiit  of  ihr  /v.sf'/'iv,  iiiKh-r 
Lieutenant  Volowl  Brci/mann.  tntx  fah-i ii^  (iffir  tin'  hitter  inix 
shot.  Orders  were  e/iren  that  it  s-Zidu/i/  lie  retakin.  Imt  theji  were 
never  executed. 

"  SlxthJy.  During  the  retreat  on  the  evening  of  the  8th, 
General  lliedesel  connnanded  the  advanced  guard  consisting  of 
the  47th  and  G2d  Regiments  of  light  infantry  of  tlic  Brunswick 
grenadiers  and  the  corps  of  Captain  Frascr.  The  advanced 
guard  arrived  at  Dovogat  at  three  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the 


i\ 


•|»> 


208 


M A.J  on  OEXKIIAL  IIIEDESEL 


t>th.  Ifun;  Ikii'dt'st'l  loanitMl  that  tlio  ciit'iiiy  wore  eiitronehod  on 
the  heights  of  Sarat(ij;a  at  a  sliort  distaiiee  t'niiii  the  liarrackH. 
He  thereupdii  ordered  tlie  eohiiiiii  to  halt,  sent  Captain  Fraser 
in  advance  to  reconnoitre,  and  rej)orted  to  (leneral  IJiirgoyne, 
who  had  arrived  before  daybreak,  that  tiie  enemy  were  (ju  the 
otiier  side  of  the  Hudson.  IJiit,  to  the  astonishment  of  every 
one.  we  remained  the  wlioli-  day  at  Dovogat  uearthe  liuttenkiil. 
At  tliis  time  the  enemy  near  tlie  Hattenkill,  according  to  all 
reports,  were  not  strong  enough  to  have  prevented  our  crossing 
the  river;  but  even  if  we  had  not  been  able  to  get  acro.ss,  we 
might  have  continued  our  march  on  this  side,  crossed  the  ferry 
near  Fort  Fdward,  and  occupied  the  favora))le  heights  at  that 
place.  Thus,  in  one  way  or  the  other,  the  army  could  have 
been  saved,  although  the  baggage  might  have  been  lost. 

"  The  army,  liowever.  pas.scd  the  night  at  Fishkill.  the  enemy 
holding  the  whole  of  the  opposite  bank.  (ieneral  IJurgoyne 
very  prudently  dispatched  the  47th  and  fi^d  lU'giments.  under 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Southerland  toward  Fort  Edward.  Captain 
Twiss  at  the  same  time  being  ordered  to  repair  the  bridges. 
According  to  the  report  of  fiieiitenant  Colonel  Southerland,  it 
is  evident  that  had  the  army  continued  marching,  it  could  have 
reached  the  heights  of  Fort  Edward  before  the  enemy;  and  in 
case  of  this  being  impo.ssible,  we  could  have  crossed  the  river 
higher  up,  and  thus  have  reached  the  heights  of  Fort  (George 
without  material  lo.ss.  Nobody  knows  why  the  retreat  was  not 
continued.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Southerland  was  ordered  back 
again  to  the  army.  The  sad  situation  in  which  the  army  was 
near  Saratoga,  after  all  the  chances  for  a  retreat  had  been 
neglected,  is  familiar  to  every  one. 

''(ieneral  Riedesel.  as  late  as  the  12th,  pro])osed  a  retreat, 
and  this  proposition  was  approved ;  but  it  was  discovered  that 
the  distribution  of  rations  had  been  forgotten.  The  distribu- 
tion was  thereupon  ordered  at  once;  and  it  was  ri,'soIved  that 
the  retreat  should  be  commenced  immediately,  if  this  distribu- 
tion be  accomplished  by  ten  o'clock.     But  when  everything  was 


m  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLVTWN. 


209 


ready  for  the  march,  the  retreat  was  postponed  until  the  follow- 
iii}f  day  when  it  was  impossible  to  carry  it  out.' 

'•  These  are  the  remarks  which  (ieneral  iliedescil  found 
necessary  to  make  in  regard  to  the  letter  of  Ocneral  IJurj^'oyne 
to  Lord  (xermain,  and  in  regard,  also,  to  the  minutes  of  the 
council,  upon  comnninieating-  them  to  his  excellency,  the  duke, 
and  his  own  countrymen. 

"  It  seems  that  General  IJurgoync  has  been  kind  enough  to 
save  the  honor  of  General  Riedesel,  yea,  even  to  speak  with 
distinction  and  praise  in  regard  to  his  conduct.  Yet  it  is  pain- 
ful to  the  latter  to  know  that  lie  has  not  spoken  of  the  troops 
with  the  same  distinction,  especially  in  regard  to  the  affair  of 
the  7th  of  October,  and  this,  too,  notwithstanding  General 
lliedesel  declared  that  he  could  have  done  nothing  praiseworthy 
without  the  good  will  and  the  active  cooperation  of  tiie  troops 
which  he  commanded. 

"  For  this  reason  General  lliedesel  had  rather  be  deprived  of 
all  praise  than  see  his  troops  robbed  of  the  same  glory  in  a 
public  and  unjust  manner. 

"  For  this  reason,  and  with  this  intention,  he  desires  to  pub- 
lish his  ideas  and  relate  circumstances  truthfully  fu-  the  honor 
of  his  nation. 

"  RiEnKSKL,  Major  General. 

"  Cambridge,  May  8th,  1778." 

In  order  to  secure  himself  against  all  reproach,  General 
Riedesel  compiled  a  memorandum  containing  the  course  of 
events  from  the  beginning  of  the  campaign  of  1777,  up  to  the 
unfortunate  affair  near  Saratoga,  which  was  signed  by  all  the 
German  conunanders.  We  find  an  extract  from  this  memo- 
randa in  Madame  lliedescl's  book,  and  also  in  a  patriotic 
journal,    entitled    The.   Bnimtwtck  Miu/dziiic.    No.    XI.      One 


'  Riedesel,  it  will  bo  remcmliored,  liimHolf  saw  to  the  distribution  of  the  ratioim, 
which  waa  all  accuuiplibhud  by  ten  o'clock,  the  time  BpvciHud. 

27 


210 


M A.J  OH  GKyKllAh  IIIEDESEL 


rends  like  the  other;  but  hotli  are,  as  the  postiseript  nnys,  only 
extractH.  Althoujih  the  eorre.siioiideiit  of  tliat  niagazine  s^tates, 
that  ho  liad  taken  it  from  the  oriij,iiial  papers  of  the  Urunswick 
general,  the  original  in  Kiedescl's  own  liandwriting  is  among 
his  papers  which  are  no  longer  in  IJrunswiek.  As  this  inenio- 
randuni  contains,  in  general,  nothing  that  has  not  been  already 
mentioned,  wc  will  not  copy  it  here.  It  is  signed  by  Brigadier 
Generals  A'on  Specht  and  (lall,'  Lieutenant  Colonel  Leuz, 
3Iajor  ^'on  Mengen.  Von  Ehrenkrook  and  Lucke,  also  by 
Oaptains  liohrciscn  and  Schottelius. 

From  the  foregoing,  wo  see  lliedosel's  opinion  concerning 
many  things  undertaken  by  Uurgoyne.  We  find  in  it,  however, 
none  of  that  indignation  which  would  certainly  have  been  excusa- 
ble, under  the  circumstances,  considering  the  conduct  of  the 
general  toward  the  German  troops,  and  the  misfortune  which  he 
brought  upon  them  by  his  thoughtless  conduct.  JJut  Kiedesel's 
charactin-  was  too  noble,  and  he  bad  too  much  tact  to  give  vent  to 
passionate  expressions.  It  is  the  language  of  a  man  who  is  tran- 
quil, and  knows  liow  to  govern  himself,  and  who  is  also  conscious 
of  his  own  rectitude.  No  allusion  i.«  made  by  him  to  the  failing 
which  cau.sed  General  Uurgoyne  to  commit  many  a  rash  act. 

The  feeling  wife,  however,  looks  at  these  misfortunes  in  a 
different  light.  Her  hu.sband,  her  children,  her  friends,  the 
brave  soldiers  and  herself  suffered  too  much  from  the  conduct 
of  the  commanding  geneial  to  permit  of  her  silence.  She  was 
a  witnes.s  of  scenes  at  which  her  sense  of  right,  duty  and  mo- 
rality revolted.  She  therefore  speaks  of  the  conduct  of  the 
British  general  with  not  so  much  consideration  as  her  husbantl. 
Accordingly,  in  her  interesting  book  of  events,  she  speaks  of 
events  which  throw  a  clearer  light  upon  this  and  that  circum- 
stance, and  enable  us  better  to  see  through  the  (jtherwisc 
inexplicable  character  of  General  Burgoyne. 

Mrs.  General  lliedesel  arrived  in  the  evening  with  the  army 


'  Von  Gall  adds,  "  All,  so  far  as  I  kuow,  Ib  entirely  true."—  Note  to'Jlhe  original. 


/.V  TUK  AMKltlCAy  liKVOLVTIoS. 


211 


lit  SiiratofTji  wet  and  luiiif^ry.  Tliero  was  {jreat  contusiim  aiid 
excitement,  and  she  was  unahle  to  find  a  |ilace  to  sleeji.  Slie 
sat  down  with  lier  cliiidren  by  a  fire  in  order  to  dry  lier  ehithes, 
and  then  hiid  down  on  sonic  straw.  An  Knglish  officer  brouf^lit 
her  a  bowl  of  soup. 

It  appeared  siii-iuiar  to  her  that  the  En<;lish  general  should 
intend  remaining  there,  and  upon  her  e.vpre.ssing  her  fears  con- 
cerning the  delay  to  General  Phillips,  he  answered :  "  Poor 
woman !  I  wonder  at  you,  although  completely  drenched,  you 
yet  have  cimrage  to  think  of  going  farther  in  this  weather.  I 
would  that  you  were  our  eomnianding  general.  He  considers 
himself  too  fatigued  to  go  farther,  and  intends  staying  here  all 
night  and  give  us  a  supper."  l^iirgoyne  actually  caroused  here 
half  the  night,  lie  was  liilari(jus  with  champagne,  caressing 
the  wife  of  a  commissary  who  was  his  mistress.'  This  was 
probably  the  cause  of  his  remaining  so  long  at  this  place,  thus 
losing  the  precious  time  necessary  for  his  retreat.  While  Bur- 
goyne  was  enjoying  his  champagne  and  choice  food,  the  army 
suffered  the  keenest  want. 

The  days  which  Madame  Kiedesel  spent  here,  were,  for  her, 
the  most  terrible  ones  of  the  whole  war.  We  will  not  enter  any 
more  into  details,  but  refer  the  reader  to  her  book  in  which  she 
describes  everything  with  her  natural  simplicity  and  humility. 
The  wife  of  the  wounded  Major  Oarnach.  Madame  llciynolds, 
who  had  lost  her  husband,  the  wife  of  the  lieutenant,  who  had 
given  some  of  his  soup  to  Mrs.  lliedesel,  and  the  wife  of  a  com- 
missary, Burgoyne's  mistress,  were  the  only  ladies  who  were 
now  with  the  army. 

All  the  captured  generals  were  obliged  to  repair  to  the  enemy's 
camp  after  the  capitulation.  As  soon  as  lliedesel  arrived  in  the 
American  camp,  he  sent  for  his  wife.  While  riding  with  fear 
and  anxiety  through  the  camp,  she  took  new  courage  from  the 


•  This  fact  wliicli  Mrs.  Kiedesel  mentious  iu  lior  Journal  is  coiiflrmed  by  the 
jourimls  of  several  of  the  fterniaii  officers  who  served  in  this  campaign.—  Vide 
the  Auxiliaries  in  America  by  Bulking. 


-   I] 


212 


M  A.I  on  (iE.SKItM.  lllKI)l':sKL 


i'lict  tliiit  tlic  soldiers  lookcil  at  licr  in  ii  IVicndly  iimiincr  and 
j<ii|iit('(l  luT.  rjKHi  liiT  arrival  at  the  tents  dl'  the  sujiorior  (itK- 
cerH,  a  tall,  •tixid  lookiii;;'  man  aitproachcd  her  and  took  thu 
fliildren  from  tins  carriiifjc,  lui^ifiin^i  and  kissini;  tlicni.  She 
was  tiicn  led  by  him  into  the  tent  of  (ieneral  (iates.  liy  whom 
she  was  reeeivod  in  a  friendly  manner.  To  her  j^reat  astonish- 
ment, she  met  lieri!  (ienenils  Hiir<foyne  '  and  I'hillips.  The 
former  was  of  j;dod  cheer,  and  seemed  to  hi;  vcrj'  familiar  with 
(ieneral  (Jates.  1'lie  American  officer  who  had  lirst  met  Mrs. 
Itiedesel  in  the  enemy's  camp,  was  (Jiincnd  Schuyler. 

We  will  not  here  sj)eciilate  whether  a  hravo  army  was  led  to 
ruin  by  the  incajiaci^y  or  the  wantonmi.ss  of  its  leader,  or  in 
eonseiiuence  of  a  badly  arranfred  plan.  In  conseijuencc  of  the 
aft'air  near  Saratoga,  the  mother  country  lost  her  best  colonies, 
for  from  this  time  the  ji'iwer  and  the  eonfidonee  of  the  Ameri- 
cans jirew  daily;  the  indejiendence  of  the  provinces  bein^ 
already  as  piod  a.s  decided. 

As  has  been  alrt^ady  S(!en,  Knjilish  generals  and  historians 
either  were  not   impartial  cnouj;h,  or  not  sufficiently  informed 


'  (U'lu'ial  lliirj;(iyiir  wiiH  llio  iiatiiml  son  of  I.oril  l.liiglcy,  mid  posusc^HCd,  with  u 
pic'iHissisf Iiil;  cxIi'iiDr.  the  lliii'  aiul  cairacioiis  inaiiiiers  of  a  iimrtier.  lie  WUH 
willy  anil  hravr,  anil  war<,  lln'roforc,  never  in  want  of  IVieniln.  In  the  year  l"(i2,  he 
led  an  Kni;lii*li  corps  in  I'l  rtii;;al  with  some  siueess,  in  conseqiienee  of  which  IiIh 
friends  lli<iu;,'l<l  not  a  lilllu  ulhis  inililary  aliilillis.  Iliit  |)ers()iial  coiirii^'e  does  not 
consliluli!  a  eoniinaiider :  for  of  a  eoininander  we  expect  other  (lualities,  especially 
experionce  and  presenile  of  iniiiil.  (ieneral  Hnp^oync'  lacked  both.  In  nil  hi« 
nndertakiiiys  lie  was  hasty  and  self-willed,  diwirin;,'  to  do  everythiiiir  alone,  he 
hardly  ever  consiilled  with  otliers:  and  yet  he  never  knew  how  to  keep  apian 
secret.  Helni,' II  }j;''eat  sybarite,  he  often  nei;li'eted  tlie  duties  of  aconiinander  as 
well  toward  his  kini;  as  toward  his  snhordiiiates.  lie  could  easily  make  I ijjht  of 
everything  provided  he  was  ealinj;  a  u'ood  meal,  or  was  with  his  mistress.  Thus, 
immediately  alter  \\\v  eapiliilalion,  he  could  eat  and  drink  with  tlie  (Mieiny's  yene- 
xais,  and  could  talk  with  the  fireatest  ease  of  the  most  important  events.  Hut 
what  a  responsihilityhad  he  not  taken  upon  himself!'  What  could  he  expect  in  the 
future?  What  a  ilitference  did  not  (ieneral  Hiedesel  tlnd  when  coniparini;  him 
Willi  Duke  Kerdinand,  the  thorom,'li  eoininander,  the  moral  and  kind  philanthro- 
pist !  (ieneral  lhir;;oyiie.  soon  after  the  snrri'iider,  relnrned  to  Kn^'land.  lie  was 
received  very  coolly  at  tirst  t)y  llie  court  and  the  pi'ojile,  ami  was  foiced  to  give  up 
his  salary.  Hut  he  had  the  iiood  fortune  never  to  have  his  crimes  investijjated  by 
a  court  martial.  .Mterwiirds  lu'  became  the  favorite  of  the  (lueeii  and  wrote  plays. 
lie  died  in  ITll','.— To/<-  to  Me  ori'jiiial. 


/.v  riih:  AMHitic.is  itHVourios. 


213 


to  acknowlctljjo  the  iiicritH  (if  the  (icriiiuiiH.  'I'liii  liriivc  <i('m'Viil 
Ki(!di!,si!l  tblt  tliin  keenly.  Witli  a  luilde  sell'-deiiial  lii!  sets  aside 
Ilia  own  ylnry  to  preserve  that  of  his  troops,  but  as  he  lias  never 
pu))lished  anything;'  re^^ardinj;'  it,  and  never  intrusted  any  oiui 
with  his  doeunients  a  j^reat  deal  is  h)st  in  obscurity  and  doid)t. 
The  historical  works  rehitinffto  this  war  were  mostly  written  by 
Knjrlish,  French  or  Americans,  and  were  only  afterwards  traim- 
hited  into  (Jornnin,  an<l  we  have  conseijuently  related  many 
tliiiiffs  in  tlie  same  manner  as  they  were  told  us.  Many  of 
these  thinjfs  consist,  of  documents  and  additions  ;  and  we.  there- 
fore, ask  the  reader  to  pardon  what  is  often  necessary  repetitions. 

If  (rcneral  Hiedesel  complains  of  the  partiality  of  tlu!  Eng- 
lish j^eneral,  he  does  not  do  it  without  ^ood  reasons.  Look,  for 
instance,  at  the  letter  of  IJurj^oyne  to  Lord  Oermain.  In  it  we 
find  more  of  a  justification  than  a  report.  I[c  pays  all  regard 
to  the  Knglish,  but  none  to  the  (Jernnui  tmojjs.  (.'onspicuous 
in  this  repcirt  are  the  following  points  : 

Flmt.  General  IJurgoyne  does  not  admit  that  on  the  19th  of 
September,  the  German  troops  saved  the  Phiglish  near  Free- 
man's farm,  the  latter  being  already  l)caten. 

SiToii)////.  The  German  troops  on  the  7th  of  October,  bear 
all  the  blame  for  the  Americans  having  been  allowed  to  pene- 
trate into  the  Fnglish  camp,  lie  has  no  excuse  for  them,  and 
yet  by  his  own  doings,  the  left  flank  of  Hreymann's  corps  was 
exposed  to  the  enemy  without  the  knowledge  of  the  Germans. 

TliinJIi/.  lie  makes  no  mention  of  the  fact  that  the  bateaux 
were  captured  through  the  negligence  <if  an  Fngli.sh  detach- 
ment, and  that  four  FiUglish  companies,  by  a  like  mistake,  were 
taken  prisoners  at  Ticonderoga  a  short  time  afterward. 

Foiirtlili/.  lie  does  not  admit  that  on  the  7th  of  October, 
during  the  great  reconnoitering  expedition,  the  German  troops 
held  the  dangerous  position  near  the  enemy's  camp,  after  the 
defeat  of  the  English  Grenadiers  on  the  left  wing. 

The  public  in  England,  as  well  as  the  loyalists  in  America, 
were  very  much  prejudiced  against  the  (Jermau  troops  by  these 


T 


214 


MA.ioit  iiK\t:it.\i.  itih:i)h:sh:i. 


false  iM'piirtH.  iiH  is  |iliiiiily  t'X|in'H><i'(l  l»_v  (icncriil  llicdcst'l  in  IiIh 
rciiiiirks. 


On  the  2(ltli  of  Octolicr,  tho  ('a|itiinMl  fieiicriil  |{'um1('sc1  liiil 
allien  ti)  file  f'umiiy  ol'  (ieiuM'al  Sehuvler  by  wlnmi  he  Imil  been 
Hi>  hipspitaliiy  entertained ;  and.  with  hiH  fiiniily,  continued  \\'m 
journey  IVnin  Albany,  ridin;;  in  the  Haine  coaeli  with  his  wife 
and  children.  Ili.s  health  had  already  suffered  cim.siderably, 
nut  (inly  by  continual  bivouacking;-  and  other  exposures.  i)ut  by 
nuuital  emotions  caused  by  the  misfortune  to  his  bravo  troojts. 
If(^  was  now  constantly  depressed  in  spirits,  and  suffered  from 
headache  ami  j^encral  jihysical  debility,  lie  overtook  his  troops 
at  Kinder's  honk,  where  they  encamped  in  the  woods.  They  were 
now  fifty-two  Knjilish  miles  fnun  Stillwater. 

On  the  2;{d.  tlu;  wwu  had  a  day  of  rest.  Kinder's  hook  was  a 
small,  pleasant  villap*.  formt^rly  settled  by  the  Dutch,  most  of 
whom  w(!re  loyal. 

On  the  2Uh,  bivouacked  near  Nobletown. 

On  the  2')tli.  they  arriviMl  at  (ircat  Harrinjrtou,  where',  for 
the  first  time  during  tin?  march,  they  obtained  shelter  in  barns. 
Hitherto  the  roads  leadin^r  throujrli  valltiys  had  been  f^ood,  but 
now  the  road  led  over  mountains  in  the  jrreen  woods,  which  arc 
cmiuected  with  tlu!  (Ireen  mountains.  They  f^rew  constantly 
worse;  and  the  commander  of  the  escort,  not  beiujj;  a  j;ood 
soldier,  directed  the  march  toward  the  best  taverns.  All  the 
expostuhitiiuis  of  Oeiuu'al  llicdesel  were  in  vain,  the  com- 
mand(n'.  only  intent  upon  havinj;'  evcrythini;-  as  comfortable  as 
possibl'J  fi.i"  his  www.  After  reaching;'  the  mountains,  u  terrible 
ruin  atoriii  made  the  roads  worse  yet.  The  teams,  also,  for  the 
transivr'utiou  of  (he  provisions  and  the  sick,  were  to  have  been 
chii!!^'j;i  at  (Ircat  Marriujfton ;  but  as  they  had  not  been  ordered 
previously  it  was  impossible  to  collect  them.  An  unnecessary 
halt,  therefore,  hud  to  be  made.  Finally,  a  sufficient  number  of 
teams  were  gathered  to  carry  the  provisions,  but  the  sick  were 


w  TiiK  amkhican  itKvowriox. 


216 


(il)Ii;(c(l  til  ri^iniiin  tlicrc  in  clnirjrc  (il'coiiiiniHHiinuMl  iiiid  iiiHicdiii- 
iiiissidiicd  orticiTw.  A  cinimiissiirv.  Iiy  Mir  iiiiiiii<  uf  Tliillfiiiiiiiii, 
a  (ienimii  hy  biitli,  rt'iimiiicd  lii'liind  tn  siiiid  tliciii  liiiwiird 
af'torwiinlM.  TIiIh  lufrwui  tdok  ii  jfrcut  dcid  id"  imiiiH  hi  iiiduco 
(ionniiii  Hdldicrs  to  desert  and  enlist  in  tlie  Anieiieiin  army. 

On  tiiis  day,  tlie  tnHi|is  inarelied  lirteen  iiiilcs  and  were  I'orced 
t(i  eneanip  near  S|)i-in;;'s  Inuisc  in  terrible  weather.  Several  (d" 
the  men  had-already  remained  behind,  in  »'(inHe(|iienee  ol'  I'atij^iio 
and  want  (d'MhiieM.     On  the  day  f'nlldwin},' the  niunber  id'  the  lag- 

garts  increased,  th(!  mandi  beiiiir  limrteen   niilos.     The  ti ps 

eneamjied  again  in  the  wnmls  near  (Irey's  Imu^e.,  On  the  2Sth, 
tliey  W(!ri!  tii  have  arrived  at  West  Siiringfield.  bnt  the  weather 
being  bad  and  cold  —  it  snowing  and  hailing  eonsideriibly  — 
they  only  reached  Westtield.  The  niandi  was  so  di.snrderly  that 
prisoners  and  men  belonging  to  the  escort  remainiMl  behind,  and, 
in  conHe((iioncc,  lost  their  way.  (leneral  Riedcsel  finally  sue- 
ceeded,  liyniakingt'riendswith  the  inhabitants,  in  (indingi(narters 
for  his  men.  Two  (jcrnian  soldiers  were  t'ro/en  to  death  on  this 
day  in  the  woods. 

On  the  29th,  tlie  prisoners,  arrived  at  West  Springfield.  By 
entreaties  and  various  representations,  (Jeneral  Uiedesel  suc- 
ceeded in  obtaining  ({uarters  for  his  weary  and  half  frozen 
soldiers.  On  this  day,  they  advanced  only  four  miles.  A  day 
of  rest  was  here  given  to  the  soldiers. 

On  the  iSLst,  the  general  went  across  the  ronnoctieut  river  to 
East  Springfield  to  make  arrangements  with  the  authorities  at 
that  place  for  a  supply  of  provisions.  In  the  nieantinio  the 
troops  remained  at  West  Springfield,  a  rest  tliat  was  very  accept- 
able to  them,  as  it  give  them  a  chance  to  repair  their  torn  cloth- 
ing, shoes,  etc. 

General  Kledesel.  however,  did  not  find  the  people  of  Kast 
Springfield  as  obliging  as  those  at  West  Springfield.  Notwith- 
standing all  his  entreaties,  he  failed  to  induce  them  to  ((uarter 
his  troops.  They  were,  accordingly,  obliged  to  continue  their 
luurch  as  far  as  I'almer,  a  distance  of  thirteen  miles. 


216 


MAJOR  OENEBAL  lilEDEHEL 


On  the  2d  of  Nnveiiiber,  they  were  obliged  again  to  encamp 
noar  nrookfieid,  after  a  inarch  of  sixteen- miles.  Here  the 
English  regiments  were  again  met  with  ;  and  it  was  resolved 
that  liereafter  they  should  keep  a  day's  march  in  advance  of  the 
Germans. 

After  a  great  deal  of  discussion  with  a  stuhborn  colonel, 
lliedesel  finally  succeeded,  al'ter  a  march  of  eleven  miles,  in 
procuring  quarters  for  his  men  at  Leicester. 

On  the  next  day,  the  -tth,  the  troops  arrived  at  Worcester, 
after  a  march  of  eleven  miles,  and  obtained  decent  quarters. 
Generals  Hurj^oyne  and  l*liilli])s.  with  Urigadier  Glover,  also 
arrived  there  at  the  same  time.  General  lliedesel,  who,  in 
several  letters,  had  already  complained  to  the  latter  general  of 
the  conduct  of  Colonel  Heid,  took  this  opportunity  to  have  an 
int(a-view  with  him.  the  good  result  of  which  was  that  hence- 
forth, the  prisoners  were  properly  quartered. 

On  the  r)th.  after  a  march  of  seventeen  miles,  the  prisoners 
arrived  at  Marlborough. 

On  the  (Jth.  they  arrived  at  West-town;  and  finally,  on  the 
Tth.  after  a  march  of  sixteen  miles,  they  reached  the  barracks 
at  ('and)ridge  near  Hoston. 

The  barracks  for  the  Knglish  troops  were  on  Prospect  hill; 
tho.se  of  the  (iermans  on  Winter  hill.'  They  were  in  the  most 
miserable  condition.  So  far  as  regarded  their  provisions,  the 
Soldiers,  it  is  true,  were  more  contented,  they  being  good  and 
wholesome.  Several  of  the  ofhcers  were  permitted  to  reside  at 
Cambridge  and  ^lystic,  but  no  one  was  allowed  to  go  to  Hoston. 
The  American  tJcneral  Heath  at  first  consented  to  the  officers 
and  soldiers  going  a  mile  beyond  their  barracks.  This  privi- 
lege was  afterward  extended  to  three  miles. 

During  the  journey,  (Jeneral  lliedesel  n(  ted  down  several 
observations  regarding   the   American  army,  especially  its  offi- 


I  Till!  iiiimln'rof  tin-  KiigUsh  nmnuiited  to  9,S0O;  tlint  of  Iho  fierinnns  lo  about 
1,IKX)  men.—  Sod-  to  onyinal. 


IN  THE  AMERICAN  REVOLUTION. 


217 


ccrs.     That  army  had  been  gathered  in  the  greatest  haste ;  and 
such  thorough  training  and  organization  as  is  found  in  Kurope, 
as  a  matter  of  course,  could  not  be  expected.     Every  citizen, 
who,  out  of  patriotism  or  by  tlie  necessity  of  circumstances  took 
up    arms,   joined    the    army   without  reference    to  position  or 
wealth.     3Io8t  of  tliem  were  excellent  marksmen  ;  and,  knowing 
well  the  locality  upon    which   they  fought,  knew  how  to  make 
use  of  it  in  every  way.     IJeing  hunters  and  farmers  tliey  were 
accustomed  to  exposure  and  emlurance,  and  minded  n(jt  fatigue 
and  hardship.     He  who  had  the  best  capacity  and  the  most 
influence  was  appointed  leader.     Thus  generals  were  very  often 
found  among  the  Americans,  who,  when  not  otherwise  engaged, 
despised  no  hard  work,  pnivided  only  they  could  make  money. 
Thus,  some  of  these  generals  carried  on  the  noble  profession  of 
shoemaking,  a  profession  which,  during  the  march,  was  very 
lucrative.     In  ilIu.stration  of  this,  Mrs.  Hiedesel,  in  her  journal, 
relates  the  foHowing  anecdote.     An  English  officer,  whose  boots 
were  entirely  worn  out.  walked  for  some  time  alongside  of  one 
of  the  above  ineutioned  generals  who  wore  a  pair  of  new  ones. 
Says  the    Englishman,  more  in  fun  than   earnest,  ••  tjeneral,  I 
would  gladly  give  you  a  guinea  for  your  boots.     Immediately, 
the    American   general    dismounted,   took  oft'  his   boots,    and 
handed  them  to  the  Englishman,  at  the  same   time  taking  the 
money  and  the  torn  boots  of  the  Englishman  in  exchange.     He 
then  mounted  his  horse  and  again  rode  on. 

General  S>'  ■  'esel,  with  his  family,  found  shelter  for  the  pre- 
sout  'W  ■  ifmliouse,'  where  he  was  fcu'ced  to  content  himself 
w:']i  a  rci  lUi  and  a  garret.  Nothing  but  some  straw  could  be 
'<'".jd  for  a  coucli.  I'pon  this  some  beds  were  thrown,  the 
fccrvaufcs,  meanwhile,  sleeping  in  the  hall.     The  landlord  was 


'  Tills  house  1«  KtlU  (l,W7i  In  existence  in  Cumbrldire,  and  la  yet  known  m  the 
r.!odesel  hoiii<e.  On  one  ui"  tlic  window  panes,  scriilehe';  with  a  diuniund.  is 
tlie  Ki'n«i''il'''  autograph.  It  is  t'''i"'i"iill.v  thought  to  be  the  handwiilin}.'  of  .Mis. 
Kiedesel.  A  comparison,  however,  ')etweeu  her  signiture  and  her  husband's  shows 
conchmlvely  that  it  Is  his  own. 
28 


218 


MAJOR  OENEBAL  RIEDESEL 


very  kind,  but  his  other  half  was  a  veritable  dragon,  doing 
everything  to  offend  and  annoy  her  obnoxious  guests.  IJut  as 
it  was  impossible  to  find  another  place,  they  were  obliged  to 
put  up  with  everything  rather  than  be  driven  from  tlu^  h.jti.«e. 

Their  stay  licre  lasted  for  three  weeks;  after  which  Kicdesel 
came  to  Cambridge  where  he  obtained  nice  quarters.  A  colony 
of  aristocratic  and  rich  people  had  settled  in  this  part  of  the 
country;  but  being  mostly  royalists  they  were  forced,  by  the 
course  of  political  events,  to  leave  their  handsome  houses,  several 
of  which  were  at  this  time  vacant.  The  inhabitants  were  also 
divided  into  two  opposing  parties,  viz  :  royalists  and  republicans. 
A  middle  party  was  unknown.  The  former,  hov-x-r'r.  hcmg  in 
the  minority,  were  oftew  exposed  to  gross  insults,  as  is  often 
the  case  in  such  exciting  times.  As  a  natural  sequence,  bribers 
opjHised  brothers;  .sons  left  their  parents;  man  and  wife  sepa- 
rated. 

The  life  in  these  barracks,  moreover,  was  miserable.  They 
were  poorly  built ;  the  cold  wind.»^  of  Xovend)er  whi.stled  through 
the  cracks,  and  the  rain  and  snow  made  inroads  in  many  places. 
The  poor  soldiers  suffered  severely,  being  unable  to  protect 
their  weary  and  half  frozen  limbs  against  the  inclement  weather. 
They  had  left  behind  them  all  the  baggage  which  they  could 
possibly  spare  when  first  starting  on  this  unhappy  retreat ;  and 
the  little  which  they  had  retained  by  them  had  either  been 
gradually  used  up,  or  taken  from  them  by  the  Americans  by  force 
and  cunning.  The  miser\  of  their  situation  also  was  increased 
by  the  fact  that  the  governor  of  JJoston,  (ieneral  Heath,  con- 
ducted himself  in  a  maiwier  atiytliiiig  but  friendly  toward  the 
priscpiicrs.  lie  treated  them  with  severity  and  harshness,  thus 
making  the  fate  of  these  miserable  prisoners  still  more  deplor- 
able. As  a  natural  eonse(iuence  difficulties  arose  between  this 
general  and  the  connnanders  of  the  captured  troops,  a  state  of 
things  that  continued  as  long  as  the  latter  remained  at  Boston. 

According  to  the  .sohunn  promises  given  by  (ieneral  (iates,  it 
was  expected   that  the  stay  at  Boston  would  be  but  of  short 


IJf  rilE  AMERICAN  SEVOLVriOS. 


219 


duration.  The  poor  soldiers,  however,  were  very  much  deceived. 
Their  real  misery  had  only  just  hegun.  The  heginning  of  their 
troubles  is  seen  in  the  following  letter  from  lliedesel  to  TJur- 
goyne : 

"  A  Most  Humble  Reprksext.vtion. 

"  Humanity  as  well  as  duty  i-equires  that  we  should  attend  to 
those  soldiers  who  are  entrusted  to  our  care.  In  the  sad  situa- 
tion in  which  we,  as  well  as  other  officers  are  placed,  we  find 
ourselves  obliged  to  call  upon  your  excellency  to  take  care  of 
us,  and  better  our  situation  by  your  representations.  It  is 
expressly  stated  in  the  treaty,  which  your  excellency  has  ne- 
gotiated with  General  Gates,  that  the  officers  should  have 
decent  lodging  places  in  proportion  to  their  rank.  Instead, 
however,  of  this  article  being  carried  out,  we  have  been  sent  to 
the  most  mi.serable  barracks,  erected  of  common  boards,  in 
which  four,  five  and  six  officers  are  promiscuously  lodged  with- 
out respect  to  rank. 

"  Indeed,  the  greater  number  of  the  soldiers  is  so  miserably 
lodged  that  they  are  unable  to  shelter  themselves  from  cold  and 
rain  in  this  severe  season  of  the  year;  and  in  spite  of  the  hand- 
some promises  and  the  fact  that  they  are  here  fourteen  days, 
and  notwithstanding,  also,  my  offer,  that  the  men  would  make 
the  repairs  themselves  if  the  necessary  materials  were  furnished, 
nothing  has  been  provided  for  them  yet.  The  soldiers,  of  whom 
twenty  to  twenty-four  occupy  the  same  barrack,  are  without 
light  at  night.  Three  of  them  sleep  in  the  same  bed.  They 
receive^  also,  so  little  fuel  that  they  can  scarcely  cook  our 
rations,  to  say  nothing  of  warming  the  cold  rooms  In  fact, 
they  have  not  even  considered  it  worth  while  to  establish  a  rule 
by  which  the  officers  and  privates,  according  to  their  rank,  may 
receive  fuel. 

"  All  these  proper  complaints  cause  general  dissatisfaction 
among  the  troops ;  and  it  is  to  be  feared  that  the  result  will  be 
desertion  and  disobedience  for  which  we  cannot  be  responsible. 


220 


MAJOR  OEXEKAL  lilEVESEL 


"  Although  wc  officers,  belonging  to  the  staft",  think  less  of  our 
own  comfort  tluin  of  that  of  the  soldiers  wltoui  we  coniniunil,  yet  wc 
cannot  deny  that  wc  are  astonished  at  observing  the  care  that  has 
been  taken  of  the  lodgings  of  the  English  general  officers,  while 
we  have  not  even  been  thought  of  We  know  the  justice  and 
honor  of  your  excellency  too  well  to  allow  us  to  doubt  for  a 
moment  that  these  just  representations  will  be  considered  by 
you,  and  that  you  will  see  to  it  that  the  troops  receive  that 
which  belongp  *o  them  by  right  of  treaty.  We  believe  that  it 
is  no  more  than  justice  to  fu'  nish  the  troops  with  the  same 
rations,  etc.,  as  they  have  received  during  the  winter  of  1775, 
while  in  garrison  in  Boston. 

"  We  lay  our  fate  in  your  hands  and  under  your  protection, 
and  remain,  with  deep  respect 

"  Your  excellency's,  etc." 


Subsequently.  General  Hurgoyne  sent  a  dispatch  to  Sir  Wil- 
liam Howe,  who  was  at  J'hiladclpliia  at  the  time,  in  which  he 
reported  the  miserable  condition  in  which  the  troops  were, 
recjuesting  him  at  the  same  time  to  do  all  he  could  for  them. 
Captain  Valency  carried  the  dispatch  to  General  Howe. 

Congress,  even  as  early  as  this,  did  not  intend  to  keep  the 
treaty  which  General  Gates  had  made  in  his  own  name  with 
the  English  general.  The  famous  >[ar(j[uis  De  Lafayette  had 
arrived  a  .short  time  previous  to  this  in  America,  oflFering  his 
assistance  to  the  patriots,  and  joining  their  army  as  major 
general.  Erance,  intending  at  this  time  to  declare  war  against 
England,  was  obliged  to  make  common  cause  with  the  Ameri- 
cans j  and  Tiafayettc.  in  the  interest  of  his  nation,  advi.-sed  con- 
gress not  to  send  the  prisoners  to  Europe,  since  they  could  be 
again  used  against  Erancc.  General  Heath,  also,  allowed  the 
Bostonians  to  induce  the  soldiers  to  desert,  even  going  so  far 
as  to  aid  them  by  making  the  situation  of  the  prisoners  as 
unpleasant  as  possible. 

We  will  here  quote  verbatim  that  which  Kiedesel  says  in  his 


AV  THE  AMmRlCAN  BEVOLUTION. 


091 

fed  ad  I. 


journal  in  rcs^ard  to  this.  It  reads  as  follows:  -One  would 
have  believed  that  the  people  of  America  were  better  utMjuainted 
with  the  prinoiples  of  the  laws  of  nations,  of  military  honor  and 
public  trust  and  faith ;  but  alas  !  we  learned  difl'erently  I  These 
pages  will  show  the  subterfnj^'os  whicli  they  used  in  makinj;  this 
treaty  null  and  void ;  also,  liow  they  induced  by  hard,  unjust, 
yea,  we  might  say,  treacherous  methods,  our  men  to  join  them. 
Again,  how  they  would  persuade  them  by  false  promises  to 
embrace  their  side  and  thus  cause  our  army  to  nu;lt  away  gradu- 
ally, by  making  part  of  it  slaves  to  a  detestable  nation.  And 
here,  in  fact,  really  lies  the  reason  of  all  the  troubles  and  diffi- 
culties which  afterward  arose  between  our  commander  and 
General  Heath,  to  whose  safe  keeping  our  army  had  been  com- 
mitted." 

The  camp  of  the  prisoners  was  encircled  by  a  chain  of 
outposts.  The  officers,  who  were  permitted  to  go  somewhat 
beyond  the  camp,  were  obliged  to  promi.se  in  writing  on  their 
word  of  honor,  to  go  no  farther  beyond  it  than  a  mile  and  a  half. 
AVithiu  this  space  are  the  villages,  Cambridge,  .Mystic  or  ]Med- 
ford,  and  a  part  of  Oharlestown.  In  these  places  the  generals 
and  brigadiers  could  select  lodgings,  for  which,  of  course,  they 
had  to  pay  dearly.  After  awhile  this  permission  was  extended 
to  other  staff  and  subaltern  officers.  Only  a  few  of  the  Hruns- 
wickcrs  availed  themselves  of  this  permission,  preferring  to 
remain  in  their  miserable  barracks,  and  thus  share  all  incon- 
veniences with  their  men. 

The  camp  was  located  on  a  height,  which,  to  a  distance  of 
eight  miles,  was  surrounded  with  woods,  thus  presenting  a 
splendid  view  of  Boston,  the  harbor  and  the  vast  ocean.  The 
barracks  had  been  built  in  1775,  at  the  tinui  that  the  Americans 
first  took  up  arms,  and  upon  these  very  heights  took  their  first 
position  against  General  Gage.     These  heights  wcro  fortified. 

When  the  fatigued  and  worn  out  troops  arrived  here  on  the 
7th  of  Xovember,  tl.ey  found  not  the  least  thing  for  their  sup- 
port.    A  little  straw  and  some  wood  was  everything  that  was 


')•>•} 


MA.IOU  OK.SKltAL  lUKDKSKL 


f\iriii,shed  to  tlio  soMier.  Tlic  officer.s  and  privates  wore  oblij^ed 
to  repair  the  barraeks  as  well  as  they  could,  althoujjh  they  had 
neither  tools  nor  materials  with  which  to  do  it.  Necessity, 
however,  wliich  is  the  mother  of  invention,  aceomplished  incredi- 
ble thinj;s. 

The  conduct  of  the  German  officers  toward  their  soldiers,  was, 
indeed,  most  exemplary.  Both  on  the  march  and  in  the  camp 
they  sought  to  alleviate  as  much  as  possible  the  miseries  of  the 
trtiops,  forgetting  their  own  troubles.  Tlius  many,  who  had 
still  a  little  money  left,  bought  boots  and  shoes  for  those  of  their 
men  who  were  barefoot.  A  pair  of  second  hand  boots  cost  about 
four  silver  thalers.'  J)uring  tlieir  journey,  the  Americans,  in 
some  instances,  stole  the  knapsacks  from  these  miserable  beings 
who  had  carried  them  with  great  trouble  thus  far.  They  also 
stole  about  thirty  horses.  At  Albany,  all  the  baggage  belong- 
ing to  General  Kiedescl  was  stolen,  and  this  too,  although  an 
American  guard  had  been  given  him  for  its  protection.  Con- 
sequently he  and  liis  family  had  iKtthing  left  but  wliat  they  liad 
carried  on  their  backs.  The  English  were  treated  in  the  same 
manner.  During  the  march,  prisoners  —  most  of  whom  had 
been  captured  near  IJennington  —  were  met  in  almost  every 
place.  Some  asked  to  be  taken  with  tlic  rest  to  Boston,  while 
others,  satisfied  with  their  fate,  wished  to  remain.  Those  Ger- 
man officers  who  had  been  captured  previously,  were  at  West- 
minster and  Rutland.  Tt  was  a  short  and  painful  meeting 
between  old  comrades.  The  pri.soners  were  furnished  with 
board  and  lodging  for  a  remuneration  by  the  people,  of  Massa- 
chusetts bay,  but  were  obliged  to  assist  at  work.  Some  fared 
well,  others  ill,  just  as  the  fancy  struck  their  host. 

On  the  8th.  (Jeneral  Heath  came  into  the  camp  of  the  pri- 
soners. He  called  upon  all  the  generals,  and,  taking  them  to 
the  city,  gave  them  a  dinner.  Orders  were  also  issued  this  day 
regarding  the  future  treatment  of  the  prisoners.     Special  regu- 


'  A  thaler  Is  e(iual  to  acvciity  rents  in  American  money. 


AV  THE  AMEniCAy  liEVOLUTION. 


228 


lations  were  made  for  tlio  officors  wliicli  tlioy  had  to  sijiH  oa 
parole.  They  were  obliged  to  promise  to  give  neither  direct  uor 
indirect  intelligence  to  the  enemies  of  the  United  States,  nor  to 
say  anything  that  could  be  in  the  least  detrimental  to  tlie  actions 
and  provisions  of  congress.  Finally,  they  were  to  obey  the  rules 
and  regulations  which  had  already  been  given  them,  and  also 
those  that  should  be  given  in  future  to  the  royal  troops.  This 
last  point  caused  great  indignation  among  all  the  officers,  many 
refusing  their  signatures.  Eight  days  passed  before  these  latter 
could  make  up  their  minds  to  append  their  names ;  but  all  repre- 
sentations being  in  vain,  and  it  being  perceived  that  if  they  stood 
out  they  would  have  to  share  with  the  connnon  soldiers  their 
restricted  space  and  be  exposed  to  other  extortions,  they  finally 
signed  the  obnoxious  paper. 

The  same  day  the  following  order  appeared  :  '•  Major  General 
Heath,  commander  of  the  eastern  department,  desirous  of  treat- 
ing General  Burgoyne  and  all  officers  of  the  army  with  polite- 
ness and  generosity,  and  the  soldiers  with  philanthropy  and 
care,  and  for  the  preservation  of  order  and  harmony  among  the 
difterent  troops,  issues  the  following  orders  : 

"  Firsf.  If  an  officer  goes  beyond  the  limits,  he  shall,  for  a 
punishment,  be  restricted  to  the  narrower  limits  of  the  private 
soldier,  or,  according  to  circumstances,  be  placed  on  board  a 
guard  ship. 

"  Sitoik//)/.  All  officers  below  the  rank  of  staff  officer  shall 
be  at  their  quarters  by  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening. 

"  ThiriUij.  Co::'missaries  shall  be  appointed  from  whom  the 
troops  shall  buy  all  their  provisions  at  their  original  cost.  Xor 
shall  any  of  the  troops  buy  anything  from  any  person  excej)t 
these  commissaries. 

"  Foiirf/i/i/.  The  officers  shall  carefully  avoid  all  difficulties 
with  the  inhabitants,  and  in  case  they  are  insulted,  shall  carry 
their  complaints  to  the  proper  place. 

"  Fifthly.  The  servants  of  the  officers,  for  whom  their  masters 
have  signed  the  parole,  are  not  allowed  to  go  further  from  the 


.';;■* 


f^f^ 


224 


MAJOIi  OENEIiAL  RIEDESEL 


quarters  (tf   tlicir  masters  than  to  the  sutlers,  unless  accom- 
panied hy  their  masters. 

"  Heath,  Major  General. 
"  Boston,  November  8,  1777." 

The  German  troops  owed  all  the  practical  orders  regarding 
the  transportation  of  jjrovisions  to  their  general  who,  after 
many  discussions  finally  c'ried  his  point  with  General  Heath, 
They  thereby  obtained  the  necessaries  of  life  easier  and  cheaper. 
This  was  also  of  advantage  to  the  connnanders  as  they  were 
thus  better  able  to  keep  their  men  together  and  prevent  ex- 
ccs.ses  and  desertion.  A  great  many  of  the  English  troops, 
who  were  not  included  in  this  order,  had  trouble  daily,  and 
numbers  were  arrested  and  transported  to  the  guard  ships. 

The  prisoners'  camp  had  many  visitors  daily,  who  came  not 
onl}'  from  Uoston  and  vicinity,  but  from  far  and  near,  Some- 
times the  curiously  inquisitive  would  come  a  distance  of  one 
hundred  miles  to  see  the  foreigners.  Thus  it  occasionally 
happened  that  the  Americans  secretly  took  the  opportunity  to 
bring  into  camp  renegade  prisoners  in  civilian's  clothing,  that 
the  latter  might  picture  the  pleasant  life  they  enjoyed  and 
induce  desertion.  The  Americans  did  this  from  economical 
motives ;  for  there  being  a  great  want  of  working  men,  they 
used  the  prisoners  like  slaves. 

On  the  11th,  (Jeneral  lliede.sel  i.ssued  a  general  order  in 
regard  to  the  interior  of  the  camp.  The  companies  were  made 
to  form  in  line  twice  a  day  for  muster;  and  all  communication 
between  the  prisoners  and  the  Americans  who  guarded  them 
was  forbidden.  The  officers  and  subalterns  were  to  enforce  dis- 
cipline and  order,  and  especially  prevent  difficulties  and  quarrels. 
This  regulation  in  the  German  camp  was  also  beneficial  in  another 
respect,  viz  :  that  the  Americans  soon  recognizing  it,  always  sent 
those  soldiers  who  were  arrested  to  their  respective  regiments 
for  punishment,  while  they  themselves  punished  the  English 
soldiers  by  sending  them  to  the  guard  house.     For  the  purpose 


If 


IN  TIIK  AMEBICMf  REVOLUTION. 


225 


moreover,  of  bettcrin}^  the  iiiiHerable  conclitioii  of  tlie  elotliiii}^, 
Kieile.sol  ordered  the  tails  to  be  cut  off  tlie  coats  that  the  waists 
inij^'ht  be  mended  witli  them.     Tims  coats  became  jacivcts. 

(ieiieral  Heath  allowed  passes  to  be  issued  to  the  servants  of 
officers  permittinji  tlieui  to  go  alone  as  far  as  the  boundiiries 
prescribed  i'or  their  masters.  The  adjutant  jicneral  of  Heath, 
by  the  name  of  Keith,  soon  made  this  a  paying  business,  asking 
a  papcu'  thaler  for  every  pass.  In  order  to  increase  his  profits, 
he  soon  extended  the  permission  to  subalterns  and  privates,  who 
were  thus  also  allowed  to  go  beyond  the  American  outposts  into 
the  neighboring  villages. 

Every  day  a  staff  officer  was  sent  upon  each  of  the  hills, 
charged  with  the  special  superintendence  of  it.  All  difficulties 
were  brought  to  him  for  settlement.  On  Thursdays  and  Sun- 
days the  regiments  gathered  i'or  a  sort  of  parade,  whi^n  they 
were  inspected  by  the  generals.  This  was  done  with  the  usual 
precision,  the  generals  walking  between  the  open  lines  and 
inspecting  the  mended  clothing  with  the  sanui  particularity  as 
they  would,  had  it  been  the  handsomest  uniform.  Thus  order 
and  cleanliness  was  maintained  among  the  soldiers. 

Not  even  the  sick  came  under  shelter,  but  were  sent  to  the 
special  barracks  where  they  died  UKU-e  of  cold  than  di.scase. 

The  American  colonel,  Lee,  a  very  sociable  man,  was  made 
comnninder  of  Cambridge.  It  was  his  duty  to  inspect  two  of 
the  hills.  Over  him  was  a  s.j  called  town  major,  by  name 
Browne,  who,  as  late  as  1775,  had  served  as  a  subaltern  officer 
in  the  47th  English  regiment,  but  who  afterward  deserted. 
This  man  was  easily  bribed ;  and  hating  the  English  more  than 
the  (iermans,  ho  was  much  more  obliging  to  the  latter. 

On  the  20th  of  November,  lioston  was  in  a  joyous  commotion. 
From  the  towers  pealed  forth  the  bells ;  and  from  the  batteries 
thundered  the  guns,  which  in  turn  were  answered  by  those  in 
the  harbor.  Houses  and  ships  were  decked  with  flags  and 
bannei's.  All  these  demonstrations  were  in  conse(|uence  of  the 
arrival  of  the  president  of  the  province,  by  the  name  of  Han- 
29 


\M> 


226 


MAJOn  OEXKIIAL  ItlEDKSEL 


COCK,  who  had  hdiiori'd  tlio  city  with  ii  visit.  NotwitliHtiindiiip 
i\w  Mil  called  pati'iot.s  did  not  wisli  to  liavc  aiiytliiii^-  to  do  with 
till!  kiiiy,  yet  in  pri'si'iicc  of  tho  prisoni-rs.  tlicy  calli'd  the 
president  KiN<i  II.\nc(ick  in  order  to  tantalize  tlieni.  Ini- 
j)artial  men.  who  knew  the  president,  said  that  his  riches  and 
his  partiality  rather  than  his  talents  had  heli)ed  him  in  reaching 
this  hijili  jiosition.  Tlie  delegates  of  the  town-nhips  met  in 
IJoston  in  tlicir  gala  dresses  on  this  occasion.  Of  tlie.so  original 
people,  as  well  as  of  the  inhaliitants  of  New  Kngland,  the 
general  gives  the  following  description  : 

"  One  can  see  in  these  men,  here  assendded.  exactly  the 
national  character  of  the  inliabitants  of  New  Knglaiid.  They 
are  distinguished  I'rom  the  rest  by  their  manner  of  dress.  Tims 
they  all.  under  a  thick,  round,  yellow  wig.  bare  the  honorable 
physiognomy  of  a  magistrate,  Their  dress  is  after  the  old 
Hnglish  fashion.  Over  tliis  they  wear,  winter  and  sunnner,  a 
blue  blouse,  with  sU'Cves.  whi(di  is  fasti^ned  round  the  body  by 
a  strap.  One  hardly  ever  sees  any  of  them  without  a  whip. 
They  are  generally  thickset,  and  middling  tall;  and  it  is  diffi- 
cuh  to  distinguish  one  from  another.  Not  one-tenth  of  them 
can  read  writing,  and  still  fewer  can  write.  This  art  belongs, 
aside  from  the  literary  men,  exclusively  to  the  female  sex.  The 
women  are  well  educated ;  and,  therefore,  know  better  than 
any  other  matrotis  in  the  world  how  to  govern  the  men.  The 
New  Knglanders  all  want  to  be  politicians,  and  love,  therefore, 
the  taverns  and  the  grog  bowl ;  behind  the  latter  of  which 
they  ti'ansaet  business,  drinking  from  morning  till  night.  They 
arc  extremely  inquisitive,  credulous  and  zealous  to  madness  for 
liberty ;  but  they  are,  at  the  same  time,  so  blind  that  they  can- 
not see  the  heavy  yoke  imposed  upon  them  by  their  congress, 
under  which  they  are  already  sinking." 

(iencral  Uurgoyne  seems  to  have  cared  more  for  the  welfare 
of  his  troops  after  the  misfortune  near  Saratoga  had  overtaken 
him  than  befon!.  lie  ordered  from  lihode  island  winter 
clothing  for  the  soldiers,  which   cost  a   great   deal  of  money. 


/.V  77//.;  AMEIiWAN  HEVOLUTIOX. 


227 


Tlic  Hii|)ply  sent  ovor  Mcarenly  suttiwd  to  clcitlic  (iiic-ciulitli  uf 
tho  army;  iiiiviMtlu'Iess,  ho  luid  this  dividt'd  e(|imlly  niiioiiK  tlio 
two  iiatidimlitin.s,  and  urdorod  more  from  New  Voik. 

Oil  thi!  KJtIi  of  l)o(  I'liiber,  Captain  Valoncy,  wlio  liad  beuu 
sent  by  Biir<-(iyno  tlic  ])c<,nnningof  Xovcnibcr  to  Cionoral  IIowo, 
roturnt'd  witli  an  answer  fiom  tbo  latter  to  the  etl'eet  that  'lo 
had  ffiveii  (n'der.s  to  liave  the  necessary  tninsiiorts  "of  i„  readi- 
ness a.s  (iuiekiy  as  possible  to  take  the  troops  back  to  Kurope. 
This  news  circulated  quickly,  not  only  in  the  camp  but  in  the 
province  of  >Fassachusetts  bay  where  the  rest  of  the  prisoners 
were  (juartered.  Many  of  the  latter  left  their  (|uarters.  and  came 
into  camp  to  ^u  with  their  comi)anions  to  Kurojie.  As  soon, 
however,  as  General  Heath  received  intellifjence  of  this  fact,  he 
issued  orders  for  all  such  prisoners  to  return  at  once  to  their 
(juarters.     As  a  matter  of  course,  this  order  had  to  b(!  obeyed. 

Desertion  among  the  Knjiiish  had  now  increased  to  such  an 
extent,  that  toward  the  end  of  Decendjcr  about  four  hundred 
men  were  missing.  Among  tiu;  Germans,  hoW(!Vcr.  there  were 
only  ten  desertions. 

Toward  the  latter  part  of  this  mouth,  the  transports,  sent  by 
General  Ifowe  under  the  command  of  Commodore  Dalrymple, 
arrived  at  Cape  Cod.  Congress  had  alrt^ady  broken  the  treaty, 
under  the  llim.sy  pretense  that  the  troops  ciuild  not  depart  until 
the  king  of  England  had  signed  the  treaty.  Accordingly  when 
Commodore  Dalrymple  reported  to  General  Heath  his  arrival 
and  tho  reason  for  it,  ho  received  the  answer  that  the  resolution 
of  congress  was  final.  General  JJurgoyne,  also,  received  the 
same  answer  to  his  demand  respecting  the  embarkation  of  the 
troops;  and  the  Knglish  flotilla  was  obliged  to  return  to  IJhodo 
island  without  having  acciuiiplished  anything.  General  Hur- 
goyne,  therenpon,  sent  one  of  his  adjutants,  Captain  Welford, 
with  a  letter  to  congress,  in  which  he  iiiolitod  upon  the  fulfill- 
ment of  the  treaty,  at  the  same  tin;.'  it,.inting  out  the  bad 
(Consequences  which  might  arise  if  congress  should  act  contrary 
to  its  stipulations.     Captain   Welford  was,  also,  to  support  the 


fTT 


22H 


MA-lnll  ah'Xf.ltA/.  Itlh:i)h:sh:i. 


tloiiiaiul  of  tlio  Kii^Misli  p'ticriil  l>y  vcrhiil  r('f)r('H(MitiiticiiiH, 
Aiuithcr  Icttor  wiis  driven  liiiii  by  HurjinyiK,'  in  which  fiiiij.'n'HH 
wiiH  |)utitiiiiM'(l.  ill  ciisn  (if  itH  not    |it'riiiit*  'n-  (h-parture  of 

the  troojiH,  to  allow  till'  Id'arcr.  ('a|itiiiii  nl,  to  return  to 

Knglaiuioii  account  of  HickncsHand  family  atiMirs.  He  |ironiiH(Ml 
that  if  eoii^reMH  should  at  any  future  time  recall  him  he  would 
at  oiHte  return  to  America.  Hurxoyne.  »Iho,  gave  liiin  a  second 
urjiont  letter  to  Gonorul  WaHhin^ton  supportiiij;  hix  re((ucHt. 

Ill  the  nieaiitinie  the  prisoners  received  other  intelliirence 
throu-iii  tli((  newspapers  and  the  inhahitants,  wliicli  caused  the 
prosjiects  of  their  speedy  ridease  to  <irow  oven  fainter ;  for  it 
wuH  Naid  that  the  troops  would  not  he  allowed  to  depart  until 
the  kiiifr  of  Knirland,  in  due  form,  acknowludgcd  the  independ- 
ence of  the  rnited  States. 

On  the  Hist,  Major  \'oii  .Menken  received  the  command  of 
the  f^reiiadier  linttalion.  Captain  \'oii  I'idiiitz  succeeding'  him 
in  the  eoniiiiand  of  his  olil  rej;iiiient. 

Paymaster  General  Oodeckt;  lieiii;;'  stil'  'aiiuda  with  the 

military  chest,  a  }i;reat  want  of  money  was  'sneed.     Desir- 

ous of  mitifiatiiiii-  this  evil,  Kiedesel  thounin,  of  the  common 
man's  inti^rest  first,  lie.  therefore,  issiud  a  circular,  on  the 
lilst  of  r)eceml)er,  to  all  the  (lernian  comniaiiders,  re((uesting 
them  to  see  to  it  that  the  subalterns  and  privates  received  their 
pay  first.  They  were  further  rei|uestcd  to  borrow  the  necessary 
funds  in  soint*  way,  either  from  officers  or  from  soldiers  who 
had  any  to  spare.  Certificates,  signed  by  Jiurj^oyne  and  the 
Knj^lish  iiayinaster,  were  jj,iven  to  tliose  persons  who  advanced 
money.  Riedesel.  himself  advanced  all  the  money  he  could 
spare.  In  this  way  enoiij^h  was  collected  to  enalde  the  poor 
man  to  meet  his  expiiiisiis. 


Let  us  now  east  a  slight  retrospect  over  the  events  that  had 
thus  far  occui-rcd  during  this  war.  Immediately  after  the  be- 
ginning of  the  campaign.  General  Washington,  breaking  through 


/.V   Tllh:    I  Uhin)  W  llh:\iil.i: I  l<l\. 


•JUS* 


till'  Kii^'linli  lill('^«Ilt  Tii'iilnii.  licit  (Icii.iiil  Ciiiinv.iilis  ipii  the  :!il 
III'  Jiiiiiiary,  lumi-  iViiicftiiii.  A  Hln.it  timr  iif'tt'i-  thin  (Jem  nil 
I'l-cscott  WiLsliciiteii  liytlu!  AincriiMii  liiciitcriimt  rdlmicl  Uiuluvv. 
Tin-  KiifiliHJi  wtTc  coii.xi'ciin'iitly  I'orcod  tn  cviiciiiitt'  New  .IcrM'y. 
Iliiwt!  dill  lint  Miici-ei'd  ill  liis  iiitciidi'd  iiHsmilt  u|iiiii  I'hiladi-l- 
jiliiii  l)_v  wiittT.  He  iiMJt  WiLMhiiiuliPii  on  luiid  liy  tlin  Mraiidyvviiui 
rivur.  ami  iK'l'cati'd  liim  nii  the  l.'Uli  of  St'iiti'iiibcr.  AftiTWaid 
lu'itfciijiicd  i'liiladiilphia.  (Joimral  llowc.  ImwcviT.  imt  kmiwln^r 
liiiw  til  takoiidvaiit«f?()  of  liis  vietnrius,  ffomi  ri'lajiscd  iiid.  his  u-'ial 
inactivity.  Tlii^  AiiicricaiiH  ai'tcd  lictttT.  and.  accoriliiij;ly,  ciidi'ii- 
viirt'd  to  aiij;im'iit  tlic-ir  {'orci'.s  a.n  iimcli  a.s  jio.ssildc.  in  addition 
to  thin,  Man(uiH  liat'ayetto  (as  already  im-iitiiiiicd ).  piiplcssis, 
Kosuiiisko,  I'lilanki  and  other  thoi-iuijih  oHicers.  eaiiie  IVoni  I'lu- 
ropt;  and  offered  their  .serviee.x  to  the  Ainerieaiis,  which  were 
gladly  aceejited.  Thii.s  the  year  1777  ])a.>i,><ed,  a  year,  which.  Cor 
the  army  of'Canadi.  liopm  .xiileiididly,  hut  ended  slianieriilly. 

For  the  jiuriMisi'  of  jiiviiij,'  a  better  idea  of  tlu^  strength  of 
both  armicH  that  were  in  the  nortliern  section  of  tlii>  country, 
we  licro  a|)|iend  the  followiii};  lists.  This  appears  the  inoro 
iiccos.sary,  for  the  rea.S(in  that  those  historical  works,  <;eiierally, 
which  treat  on  the  North  Aiiicriean  war,  either  f,nve  the  num- 
bers differently  and  incofrectly,  or  (h»  not  jiive  them  at  all. 

The  American  army  near  iSaratojia  under  (leneral  dates, 
consisted,  on  the  17tli  of  October,  of  ;{  major  freiierals,  12 
brifijadier  i,'oiierals,  4-lr  colonels,  40  majors.  844  captains,  W'^'l 
first  lieutenants,  ;{2(]  second  lieutenants.  IMf)  ensiuns,  5  chap- 
lains, 42  adjutants,  44  ijuarter  masters,  IJO  paymasters,  ;}7  doc- 
tors, 43  assistant  doctors,  l.:i!t2  sergeants,  tJHl!  drunimors, 
]'5,21()  subaltern  officers  and  privates,  i'AVl  sick  in  tlieir  rooms, 
and  IIU  sick  at  the  hospital.  '^,^~')  belonging  to  the  rearguard, 
and  18(»  on  furlough:  total,  22,;jr)()  men.  in  actual  .service, 
20,817. 

Tiio  royal  British  army,  under  (lenoral  IJurgoyne,  consisted, 
on  the  17th  of  October,  inclusive  of  the  Urunswick  and  He.tsian 
troops,  of  1  major  general,  2  brigadier  generals,  5  lieuteuaut 


230 


MA.lOIt  (lt:Xh:itM  ItlEDESKh 


(•(•Iiiiii'ls.  10  innjnrs,  (i!!  iMjitain.H,  SO  lirst  licutciiiiiitH.  (iO  sopond 
licuti'iiaiits.  11  under  lioiitoiiiiiifs  uTid  eiisi>riis.  8  adjutiints,  7 
quiirtcr  inasters.  S  ariiiorer.s,  4  auditors,  1!{  doctors,  -4  scribes, 
59  druininor  majors,  hautboy.s  and  players,  (5  provosts,  35!)  iion- 
coniinissi(UU'd  otticcrs.  2(>  assistant  pliysicians.  210  'iruniniors, 
4, 5158  soldiers,  ;{27  servants:  total.  5,80]  men.  Note:  (Jenerals 
JJuri^oyne,  IMiillips  and  Uaniilton  are  not  included  in  this  list.' 
The  grenadiers  and  lijiht  infantry  t'ormod  eight  companios  of 
the  2ntli.  151st.  ;54tli  and  5;5d  tJeginients  which  were  in  Canada. 
The  nund)er  oi"  the  other  ccunpanics  of  grenadiers  and  light 
infantry,  which  were  with  the  army,  were  distributed  among 
their  respective  reginu'uts.- 

liosses  of  the   Mrunswick  troops  from  the  beginning  of  the 
campaign  of  1777.  until  December  the  1st  of  the  same  year,  not 

including  those  captured  at  Saratoga: 

Men. 

Of  theiJciieral  8trttl',        ........  3 

"       Hcgimcnt  of  Drajroons, 335 

Urifrmlicr  Battalion 218 

Ki'jjinu'nt  of  I'riiii'c  Frederick, 3 

Koginieut  Von  Ulietz 48 

••     Hicdcsel 5!) 

"              "             "    Spccht 53 

Battalion  Bariier 373 

Total 879 


Of  these  were  sliot  and  died  of  their  wounds.  . 
"  wounded  hut  not  capttu'cd,     . 

"  "  and  captured, 

captured,  l)Ut  released  on  parole,"  . 

Total 


144 
110 
13!t 
4II() 

8Tit 


'  Till-  ftrst  miijor  general  iiu'iilinned  in  tlie  list  niasl  lliprel'iire  refer  to  Uiecionel. 

'^Ah  \\n*  l)een  already  nienlUiiieil.  a  ;;rena(lier  anil  a  lifilil  infantry  liallalion  was 
formed  of  lliese  reirinients  l)erore  leavini:  Canada.  'I'liis  renndned  in  t'linada  under 
tlieeonunanil  iir(ieneral  Ciirlc'lon.  'I'lie  troops  Hint  weredispalelied  loTieondiTogn 
ami  otlier  places  are  iiu'lwded  liere.     \iili  l«  iii'njiiitil. 

3  At  least  so  I  lake  llu'  oriirinal  to  mean  ;  llioni;li  llu'  expressicni  literally  rendi'red 
is  "eaplnred  on  dixrelion." 


nV  THE  AMEIIICAX  ItEVOLUriON. 


231 


L!^t  of  the  Captiir,;!   Crmd)!   Offivrrx  nniipHnl  al  Curnhvuhje 
Jiiinuin/  Wth,  1778. 


Hi'ffinicnt. 


GciKTiil  Staff',. 


Hi'fjriiiii'iit  of 
Drajfooiis,. . . 


ynptaiii  O'C'oiincll,  adjutant  of  (k-m-- 

\     ml    l{ic(li'.><i'|,* 

Major  Von  Alaihoni  * " 

l^'ricki',  captain  of  cavalrv,* 

Von  SclilajrontciitlM,    captain  of  ca- 
valry*  

Lieutenant  Von  Hcckrodt.* 

"     Botlniicr,* 

■•     Brcva* 

Cornet  (Jraef,* 

I      •'       Stutzer,* 

!       "       Sclionewald,* 

j.Xuilitor  'riioinas* 

iChaplain  .Melzheinier,* 

I  Doctor  Horbro<lt.* 

' jCaptain  Von  Bartliuff* 

I  Lieutenant  Meyer,* 

Hurjfliotr,* ', 

I  "         (ieMiardt,* 

Lieutenant  t'olonel  Speclit.j 

EnsifTii  llal)erlein,f 

Deiiicke.f 

"       Andree,* 

'  ("aptain  \\n\  (Jeisan,f 

I       "        Donnners,* 

j        "         (ileisenl)erir,|: 

Ensijjn  Speclii.* 

^1       "       (ir.  I{an/an,f 

Reff't  Hesse  Hanau  Lieutenant  Bach,* 


Present 
Location. 


Wonliurn.' 
WestniiustiT. 


Hrifradier 
talion,  . 


Uat- 


Hejrinient 
l{ieilesel, 


Von 


Battalion     Von 
Barner 


Sprinjrlii'ld. 
W<>stniinster. 

Sprinjrficld. 
N>   -(tininster. 


Sprinirtield 
llerforth.'' 


Wentniinster. 

Hntland. 

^^'estnlinster. 

.Ml)any. 

Westminster. 

Hutiand. 

Westminster. 


*('ai)ture(l  near  Benninjrton.  Aujr.  l(i. 
f  I'aptured  near  Freenum's  Farm,  Oct.  7. 
J  Captured  near  Freeman's  Farm.  Oct.  8. 


'  Prolmlily  W'obui'ii. 
'  Hartford. 


f 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS 

BELATINO  TO 

GENERAL  RIEDESEL'S  CAMPAIGN  IN  AMERICA. 


CORRESPONDENCE  OP  GENERAL  RIEDESEL  WITH  THE  HEREDITARY 
PRINCE,  AND  AFTERWARDS  REIGNING  DUKE,  CHARLES  WILLIAM 
FERDINAND,  OP  BRUNSWICK,  LUNEBERG. 

La  Puaikie,  Jidy  31, 1770. 
To  His  Serene  Highnesa,  the  Ilercditiiry  Prince ; 

I  hope  tlmt  your  serene  lilghiiess  lias  received  favorably  my  last 
frank  letter ;  but  to  no  other  do  I  give  my  confidence.  Your  high- 
ness knows  best  under  what  circunistances  this  corps  was  intrusted 
to  me,  and,  therefore,  I  can  coninumicate  my  thoughts  to  yourself 
alone. 

Tliank  God,  I  have  so  far  succeeded  with  the  drill  of  tlie  two 
battalions,  which  are  with  me,  that  I  can  show  them  to  General 
Carleton  on  his  return  from  Quebec ;  and  I  hope  that  he  will  do 
them  justice  in  spite  of  his  national  love  for  the  English  troops  of 
whose  praises  he  is  full.  All  the  English  oflicers  who  have  seen  us, 
praise  us  highly. 

Everytliing  goes  well  as  long  as  the  ranks  are  closed  for  a  charge ; 
but  when  we  open  the  ranks  and  the  middle  line  is  visil)lc,  then  I  am 
ashamed.  We  must,  however,  make  as  much  of  it  as  we  can  ;  and 
if  you  were  here,  you  would  admit  that  as  much  as  was  possible  has 
been  accomplished  with  the  men. 

Our  army,  at  present,  is  completely  inactive.  This  was  very 
welcome  to  me  four  weeks  ago,  in  order  to  give  time  to  set  tlie  regi- 
ments to  rights;  but  now  I  wish  that  we  would  soon  start.  We  are 
mostly  in  need  of  armed  sloops  and  bateaux.  There  is  much  talk, 
but  whether  the  work  is  pushed  through  with  the  same  zeal  is  (piite 
another  question. 


The  foot  notes  to  these  documents,  unless  otherwise  noted,  arc  as  given  in  the 
original.—  Translator. 

m 


234 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  RELATINO 


Everything  dopciuls  upon  the  expedition  of  General  Howe.  If  he 
lands  snfely,  captures  New  York,  and  gains  a  footing,  we  can  cross 
the  lake  with  a  few  brigades,  one  after  tiie  otlier.  We  have  a  sufH- 
cient  number  of  l)ateau.\  for  tliis  purpose;  but  if  Howe  meets  witli 
resistance,  and  if  liis  operations  are  prolonged,  tlicn  the  wliole  plan 
will  require  a  second  campaign  for  its  complete  execution.  In  the 
former  case  we  will  certainly  have  peace  this  coming  winter;  but  in 
the  latter  event,  another  campaign,  which  cannot  possibly  be  unsuc- 
cessful, as  the  rebels  arc  unable  to  oppose  both  armies,  and  their 
soldiers  are  not  what  tliey  were  thought  to  be  in  Germany.  They 
are  a  miserable  race  of  men,  with  poor  olHcers.  They  have  no 
money,  only  paper ;  and  there  is  such  an  excitement  and  tremble  in 
the  provinces  tliemselves,  that  it  is  impossible  for  the  confederation 
to  last  long. 

Nothing  can  be  learned  here  in  regard  to  position ;  for  I  believe 
that  there  is  no  place  in  the  whole  of  America,  where  six  battalions 
could  he  placed  in  good  position.  Aside  from  tlie  few  cultivated 
regions  on  the  rivers,  all  the  hills  are  covered  witji  woods.  All  we 
can  do,  therefore,  is  to  post  ourselves  near  rivers,  take  forts,  and  build 
new  ones,  and  go  with  tlie  Indians  as  nuich  as  possible  tlirough  the 
primeval  forests  in  order  to  destroy  connnunications.  It  may,  how- 
ever, be  i)racticable,  when  everything  is  in  readiness,  to  attack  the 
enemy  wherever  he  is  to  be  found,  without  regard  to  his  position. 
We  can  also  study  out  great  manoeuvres.  And  even  after  the  enemy 
is  beaten,  it  will  be  impossible  to  pursue  him,  while  the  ships  will 
have  to  be  transported  across  the  land  to  another  river,  or  new  ones 
built.  In  eitlier  case,  however,  it  will  cost  money ;  and  if  a  mistake 
is  made  in  regard  to  the  amount  of  provisions,  we  will  have  to  return 
for  them  even  if  the  enemy  does  not  compel  us  to  do  so. 

But  little  attention  is  paid  to  the  men,  it  being  thought  that  they 
are  taken  care  of  if  they  have  plenty  of  bread  and  meat.  Beer,  brandy, 
vegetables,  and  straw  for  bedding  are  all  unknown.  Tluis  tiie  soldier 
gets  tired  of  liis  constant  diet  of  meat ;  and  during  a  march  from  one 
river  to  another,  the  oflicer  has  to  live  the  same  as  a  private.  Such 
marches,  however,  cannot  last  long,  as  they  are  only  over  what  is 
called  portages,  from  five  to  six,  or  at  most,  ten  leagues. 

Hoping  that  your  highness  will  receive  this  favorably, 

I  remain,  etc., 

KlEDESEL. 


TO  QKN.  IlIEDESEVS  CAMI'AJOA. 


285 


THE  IIEKEDITAUY  PIUNCE  TO  GENERAL  KIEDESEL. 

BHUN8WICK,  September  14,  1770.' 
Right  Honorable  Sir  iind  Iliglily  Rospected  Major  Genenil : 

I  liail  tlic  pleasure  of  receiving  two  of  your  letters,  the  last  of  which 
is  dated  July  the  5th.    In  this,  I  observe,  with  special  satisfaction, 
the  well  being  of  yourself  and  corps,  after  so  tedious  a  journey. 
Your  honor  knows  as  well  as  any  one,  that  not  only  the  haste  I)ut  the 
stubbornness  which  Mr.  Paucithas  manifested,  and  still  manifests,  are 
the  cause  of  so  much  being  needed  for  the  comfort  of  the  corps. 
But  I  feel  confident  that  your  attention,  zeal  and  activity  in  tlic 
service,  will  go  far  toward  placing  matters  on  a  tolerable  footing. 
Discipline  among  the  officers  is  certainly  the  safest  means  to  bring 
this  about.    The  uniforms  fijr  the  first  division  have  already  been 
sent,  and  those  for  the  second  will  be  shipped  before  the  end  of  this 
mouth,  so  that  there  will  be  no  lack  for  these  most  necessary  articles. 
As  regards  the  recruits,  we  will  see  to  it,  as  soon  as  enlistments  begin 
again,  that  you  have  sent  to  you  strong  and  robust  fellows  —  if  possi- 
ble, not  below  five  feet  two  inches.    It  will  be,  as  you  know,  im- 
possible to  warrant  their  zeal  in  the  service,  but  strict  discipline, 
which  I  know  you  make  a  point  to  have,  will  be  tiie  best  means  of 
making  them  attend  to  their  duty.    The  sacrifice,  which  this  country 
has  been  obliged  to  make  in  consequence  of  the  bad  condition  in 
which  it  has  been,  has  been  so  great,  that  unless  we  exterminate  whole 
generations  we  cannot  extend  eidistmeuts  over  our  own  subjects.    The 
misery  of  the  wives  and  children  left  beiiind  by  the  soldiers  is  so 
lamentable  that  they  would  starve  did  they  not  receive  food  from  tin; 
barracks  here,  and  this,  notwith.standing  the  allowance  mothers 
receive  from  tiie  government.    Tiie  landgravt;  of  Ilessia  and  the 
hereditary  prince  of  Ilanau  have  certainly  considered   from  every 
point  of  view  the  best  manner  in  which  to  treat  their  subjects  whi<'ii 
are  connnilted  to  their  care ;  and  it  is  certainly  for  the  interest  of  tlu' 
funds  to  furnish  recruits   for  whom  money  is  received,  and   none 
expended.     They  also  believe  that  they  have  thoroughly  considered 
the  duties  of  a  sovereign  toward  his  subjects :  and  I  believe  that  a 
free-born  man  cainiot  Ix;  forced,  unless  it  l)e  for  liie  defense  of  the 
fatherland  by  taking  arms  against  the  inhabitants  of  Canada. 

I  am  not  surprised  that  the  colonists  have  evacuated  Mont-Ueal, 
Chamblyand  St.  John,  for  first,  they  were  weak  in  that  region  if 


'  On  the  back  of  this  letter  is  the  indorsement,  "  iinswcrcd  June  1,  ITTT." 


#7 


T 


236 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  RELATINO 


Ihey  ralli(!d  Htroiigly  in  Virginia  anil  Carolina,  and  secondly,  the 
country  was  not  with  them. 

Tlie  doscondnnts  of  tlio  French  and  tlie  Cliristianized  Indians,  who 
are  Roman  Catholics,  are  used  to  su))inission  and  hlind  obedience ; 
and  tlieir  intelligence  is  satistied,  if  lie  who  governs  them  lets  them 
alone,  But  it  is  diflFerent  witli  tlie  colonies,  wliicli  are  English ;  and 
if  tlie  leaders  understand  their  business  but  half,  tlie  thing  will  not  be 
so  easily  settled.*  Even  if  Caiielon  captures  Crown  point,  which  I 
hardly  doubt,  the  colonists  have  only  to  prolong  the  nuitter  as  long 
as  possible,  in  order  to  cause  a  great  scarcity  of  provisions  and  men 
in  the  English  army. 

The  second  division,  in  my  opinion,  will  arrive  at  Quebec  the  fore- 
part of  August,  and  I  long  for  news  concerning  it. 

I  had  the  honor  of  making  the  personal  acquaintance  of  Field 
Marshal  Romanzow  at  Berlin.  He  was  there  with  the  grand  duke 
who,  as  you  know,  married  again  after  the  death  of  his  first  wife,  the 
princess  of  Wurtemberg,  the  daughter  of  Prince  Eugene,  who  resides 
at  Montbcillard 

I  desire  you  to  give  my  thanks  to  Captain  Gerlach  for  his  two 
letters,  and  for  drawing  the  plans.  I  will  write  him  at  the  first 
opportunity.  I  am  now  just  setting  out  for  Potsdam.  You  are,  I 
believe,  informed  of  the  ill  health  of  the  duke.  The  least  mental 
excitement  may  bring  us  a  great  misfortune. 

I  am,  sir,  most  rcsiiectfully. 

Your  obedient  servant, 

ClIARI.ES. 


LETTEHS  OK  (JENEKAL  KIEDESEL  TO  THE  Dt'KE  FERDINAND  OF 
BKUNSWICK,    LUNEBEUO.'^ 

Thbek  Rivers,  ,/««e  1, 1777.' 
Mon.ieigneur : 

1  had  the  honor  of  receiving  live  gracious  letters  from  your  serene 
highness  before  the  departure  of  my  last  letter  of  the  lOtli  of  last 
month ;  and  I  am  thus  enabled  to  again  make  mention  of  their  safe 
arrival.    Since  then  I  have  been  so  fortunate  as  to  receive  two  more 


'  It  will  be  noticed  tliiit  the  licreditary  prince,  llioiigli  fo  far  from  the  tlieatre  of 
opi'ratioii!<,  liad  a  imicli  bettiM-  approclalioii  of  tlie  iiiagHitude  of  tlie  war,  than 
Kiedcscl  or  the  Eiiftlisli  coiiiiiinnder!<.—  Tranxlator. 

''  Tlie  origiiialH  of  thei^e  lettert<  are  Btill  preferved.  The  rtuljc  always  marlccd  the 
date  of  their  reception  on  the  inargiii.  It  is  not,  however,  known  how  tlicee  letters 
got  bacli  again  among  tlie  papers  of  Iliedesci. 

"  Keceived  August  3 ;  answered  August  10,  ITTT. 


T 


■lis 


TO  GK.y.  ItlEDESELS  CAMPAIGN. 


287 


letters  from  your  liiglmess,  one  dated  tlie  30tli,  and  one  tlie  37tli  of 
September,  for  which,  and  for  the  assurance  of  your  kind  feelings 
toward  me,  I  express  my  humblest  thanks. 

The  English  minister  has  suddenly  changed  the  theatre  of  war  to 
this  vicinity.  General  Carleton  has  been  deiirived  of  the  command 
of  the  army.  lie  seems  very  indignant  at  this,  and  intends  to  enter 
a  complaint  with  parliament  against  the  injustice  of  the  minister. 

General  Burgoyne  will  assume  the  command  afler  crossing  into 
Now  York  and  after  communications  are  restored  between  himself 
and  General  Howe.  God  knows  what  he  will  do  with  the  Canadian 
army  which  has  already  been  a  whip  to  his  ambition. 

A  great  deal  is  said  concerning  the  army  of  General  Howe,  espe- 
cially in  regard  to  its  discipline.  But  I  know  not  how  much  we  can 
believe  of  these  reports,  for  it  alway.i  ae'>ms  to  me  that  all  is  not  gold 
that  glitters,  and  Colonel  McLean  had  to  wait  there '  for  Ave  dftys  to 
receive  orders  for  the  Canadian  army. 

To-morrow  I  shall  leave  Three  Rivers ;  and  the  army  will  march 
in  two  columns  for  Crown  point  — the  Germans  on  the  left,  and  the 
English  on  the  right—  and  I  hope  we  will  arrive  there  about  the  13th 
of  this  month.  I  hope,  also,  that  my  reports  will  soon  become  more 
interesting,  and  that  I  shall  be  able  to  announce  the  capture  of  Carillon.'^ 

Your  serene  highness  will,  in  the  continuation  of  this  journal,  find 
everything  in  regard  to  the  position  of  the  army ;  also,  the  latest 
news  which  we  have  received  from  the  army  of  General  Howe,  and 
the  present  arrangements  for  the  movements  of  our  army  during  the 
coming  campaign.  I  will,  therefore,  not  trouble  your  higliness 
further  with  repetition. 

Lord  Percy,  indignant  at  General  Howe,  has  returned  to  England, 
and  I  suppose  that  General  Carleton  will  do  tlie  same  thing  before 
the  close  of  this  year. 

The  arrangements  for  the  march  forbid  nw  writing  any  further ; 
but  my  lirst  report  will  certainly  l)e  very  explicit. 

I  remain,  etc., 

ItlEDKSEL 


CiiowN  Point,  June  38, 1777. 

I  am  not  able  to  express  to  you  my  gratitude  for  the  care  with 
which  your  highness  answers  my  reports,  and,  perhaps,  no  one  else 
can  show  so  many  answers  from  yourself  as  L 


» New  York  (?).—  Translator. 
"  Ticoiidoroga. 


288 


OFFICIAL  nocVMENTS  llELATINO 


By  the  appointment  of  nnotlicr  comnmiuk'r  in  cliief  of  the  army, 
the  theatre  of  war  is  so  cliangctl  tliat  it  does  not  now  look  lilie  tlie 
same  one.  Tlie  new  one  judges  somewhat  hastily,  and  carries  out 
the  plan  of  tlie  ministers.  His  predecessor  went  to  worli  mon;  care- 
fully but  safely,  and  made  no  more  until  he  was  convinced  it  could 
be  carri(!d  out.  The  result  will  show  who  was  right  in  the  present 
situation. 

The  rebels  still  hold  Carillon  with  an  army  of  from  8,000  to  4,000 
nuiii ;  and  I  believe  we  shall  have  to  undertake  a  siege.  We  still 
lack,  however,  amuumition,  and  tiic  most  necessary  things  for  this 
purpose.  Tlie  season  of  the  year  keei)s  us  here.  It  is  lamentable 
that  tlie  reciuisite  things  for  this  campaign  have  not  been  sent  here 
from  England  until  so  late.  Cousecjuently,  a  large  portion  of  the 
time  that  should  have  been  devoted  to  the  campaign,  passes  by,  and 
thus  tliis  expensive  war  is  prolonged. 

My  wife,  with  lier  tliree  children,  has  finally  arrived  in  jierfect 
health.  Tiicy  reached  Canada  on  the  11th  of  June,  and  none  of 
them  suffered  the  least  t)n  the  voyage.  She  speaks  of  this  long  voyage 
as  a  mere  trifle.  I  was  so  fortunate  as  to  see  her  at  Three  Rivers, 
where  she  will  occupy  my  old  quarters  until  circumstances  provide 
her  a  safer  place  in  New  York.  The  cliildren  speak  nothing  but 
English,  and  no  one  lakes  them  for  Germans.  Slie  requests  nie,  to 
request  your  higlmess  graciously  to  remember  them. 

Tluit  you  may  sec  more  plainly  tlie  movements  of  the  army,  I  add 
here  the  continuation  of  tlie  journal. 

I  remain,  etc., 

«  UlEUESKI.. 


FoiiT  Edwaui),  August  8, 1777. 

I  have  the  honor  of  sending  your  highness  the  continuation  of  the 
journal  in  whieli  you  will  see  tiiat  we  are  masters  of  tlie  Hudson; 
also,  tliat  the  enemy  has  evacuated  all  the  advantageous  positions 
which  he  iniglit  still  liave  held.  Besides  this,  all  the  tliree  rapids ' 
are  in  our  possession  ;  and  we  can  now  place  all  our  ships  on  the 
river,  and  have  a  clear  passage  to  Albany.  The  rest  of  our  position, 
you  will  see  in  the  journal  which  I  have  the  honor  of  inclosing  in 
this  letter.  Matters  are  at  present,  at  such  a  point,  that  everything, 
perhai)s,  can  be  decided  in  two  dilt'erent  ways.  Mr.  Washington  is 
falling  ba(^k  before  (Seneral  Howe;  and  Mr.  Arnold  is  retreating 
upon  Albany. 


1  Baker's  falls  nt  Sanely  lilll,  Fort  Edward  and  Port  Miller.—  Translalw. 


TO  OEN.  RIEDESEL'S  CAMPAIGN. 


239 


SIioiilcl  our  army  adopt  measures  to  prevent  its  defeat  —  a  con- 
tingency which  would  wealten  u.s  — tiien  we  may  expect  eltlier  tliat, 
witli  our  army  in  higli  spirits,  tlic  rebels  will  shortly  be  surrounded, 
or  that  a  decisive  victory  will  put  an  end  to  tlie  entire  eampaij,m. 

I  hope  to  be  able  to  communicate  to  your  higliness,  in  my  next 
letter,  several  interesting  items  of  news,  and,  among  them,  that  tlie 
troops  of  my  gracious  master  have  given  fresh  proofs  of  their  good 
will,  and  their  desire  to  fight  for  the  glory  of  their  nation. 

I  have  the  honor,  etc., 

RiKDESKIi. 


John's  Fakm,  Avgud  38, 1777.' 
Fortune  not  being  on  one  side  every  day,  the  expedition  of  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Baum,  supported  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Breymann, 
has  not,  therefore,  met  with  the  same  good  result  as  the  affair  near 
Hubbardstown.    But  it  was  not  because  the  troops  did  not  light  just 
as  bravely.    The  distance  between  these  two  corps  of  our  army 
enabled  the  enemy  to  attack  Baum  with  eight  times  greater  numbers; 
and,  in  spite  of  all  the  exertions  of  Breymann,  he  was  unable  to  re- 
enforce  Baum  at  tiie  right  time.    I  do  not  doubt  but  that  tliis  was 
the  second  part  of  the  affair  at  llubertstown.     You  will  see  the 
account  of  this  sad  affair  better  in  the  journal,  which  I  have  the 
honor  of  inclosing.    It  may  be  that  my  gracious  master,  the  dulic, 
will  comnnmicate  to  j'our  serene  liighness,  the  detailed  reports  which 
I  have  sent  to  him,  in  order  that  he  might  take  under  his  protection 
the  commanders  of  both  corps,  and  might  see  that  our  troops  did 
their  duty  on  that  occasion.    The  transi)ortation  of  provisions  over 
the  tlireo  rapids,  still  detains  our  army  at  this  place.    The  rebels  are 
fortified  at  Half-moon,  ten  English  miles  tliis  side  of  Albany;  but  I 
believe  that  we  shall  soon  advance  against  them  whenever  the  largest 
portion  of  our  provisions  have  crossed  the  rapids.    Although  our 
army  is  considerably  weakened  by  the  sending  out  of  detachments, 
and  the  bad  result  of  the  affair  of  tlie  10th,  I  believe  that  we  shall 
attack  the  enemy,  providing  he  remains  at  Half-moon.    Thus  four- 
teen days  will  decide  the  result;  and  I  hope  that  we  shall  at  least 
make  up  for  the  losses  we  have  lately  sustained. 

I  remain,  etc , 

RiEDESKI,. 


'  After  th«  ungucccgiiftil  affair  at  Bcuniiigtun. 


240 


OFFICIAL  IXnUMKNTS  ItELATINO 


HKPOUTS  OF  GENEKAL  UlEDESELTO  THE  UEKJNINO  DUKE,  CHAKLE8 
OK  BRirNSWICK,  LDNEnrRC),' 

On  the  voytige  to  Frcyburp  rond, 
Ship  Pam.ah,  March  31, 1770. 
Most  illustrious  Dulte ;  most  gracious  Prince  anil  Lord : 

I  report  to  your  serene  highness  that,  in  consequence  of  contrary 
winds,  we  are  still  riding  at  anchor  in  the  road  at  tlie  confluence  of 
tlie  Elbe  and  Scliwinge.  Yesterday,  ten  ships  sailed  for  Freyhurg 
with  a  favorable  wind.  We  may,  perliaps,  follow  tliis  afternoon  if 
the  change  of  tide  brings  an  auspicious  wind.  Tlie  sliips  at  Frey- 
burg  are  to  wait  for  us,  as  the  direction  of  tlie  voyage  depends  on 
our  vessel. 

Tlie  wind  now  begins  to  blow  ;  the  aneliors  are  hoisted  ;  and  we 
will  start  for  Freyljurg,  whence  we  shall  sail  for  England  with  the 
tirst  favoralile  wind. 

I  am  now  able  to  give  your  sei'cne  higliness  ii  general  idea  of  the 
proposed  plan  of  operations.  All  the  troojis  that  arc  destined  for 
Canada,  and  of  which  tlie  first  Brunswick  division  will  be  tlie  first, 
start  for  tlic  lliver  St.  liawrence.  It  remains  to  be  seen  wlietlier 
Quebec  is  still  in  jiossession  of  the  Englisli,  and  whether  the  rebels 
lia ve  occupied  it  witli  an  army.  If  Queliec  is  yet  ours,  tlien  tlie  troops 
will  be  disembarked  there,  and  await  the  arrival  of  the  second  divi- 
sion and  the  otlier  troops,  which,  together,  will  hiake  an  army  of 
14,000  men.  Upon  reaching  America  tliey  will  encamp  upon  the 
island  of  Orleans,  wlicre  a  canij)  will  very  probably  have  been  pre- 
jiared  for  tlieir  reception.  Thence,  having  reemliarked,  they  will 
sail  up  tlie  river,  toward  Lac  St.  Pierre,  to  Slonlreal.  Tiiis  latter  city 
is  in  tlie  worst  possible  condition;  and  every  one  claiming  to  be  in 
command  of  it,  it  is  said  that  it  would  be  an  (.'asy  matter  to  compel 
its  surrender.  Near  Montreal  is  a  trajef  of  eight  f4crman  miles, 
wliich  lias  to  be  crossed  on  land.  The  empty  ships  Avill  proceed  on 
the  river  Sorel,  and  we  will  embark  again  on  Lake  Cliamplain,  wlicn 
we  will  sail  up  tlie  lake  to  Fort  Crown  Point,  which  place  tlie  rebels, 
also,  have  in  their  possession.  This  fortification,  however,  is  said  to 
be  a  most  miserable  one,  and  will  easily  be  demolislied  by  the  numer- 
ous cannon  of  Colonel  Phillips  in  a  few  days.  With  tlie  capture  of 
this  fort  our  expedition  for  tliis  year  will  veiy  probably  terminate. 


>  MoHt  of  these  reports  or  letters  arc  only  to  l)c  found  in  tlieir  first  rough  (Irnfts. 
The  dates  in  these  first  copies  arc  generally  omitted  and  can  be  given  only  approxi- 
mately.—iVote  in  original. 

'■i  I.  c,  a  \wvlagu.— Translator. 


TO  (IK.\'.  Jl/KO/CSK/.'S  VAMI'MHS. 


\\\ 


In  case  the  Americans  have  an  army  at  Montreal  or  Crown  Point, 
a  battle  will  take  place  at  one  of  those  points.  This,  liowevcr,  is 
doiilMlul,  sinc(!  Canada  cannot  fnrnisli  a  sullicient  (piantity  of  pro- 
visions for  an  army,  and  inasmuch,  also,  as  the  Canailians  cannot  be 
trusted  by  the  Americans.  Should  Ciuebee  have  surrendered  and 
Carleton  been  ciii)tured,  tlien  it  is  to  be  ascertained  wliether  tlie  cily 
is  occupied  by  only  a  few  thousand  nu'n,  or  whetlier  compress  has 
sent  a  large  army  to  occupy  not  only  Quel)ec  but  the  surroundini; 
country,  especially  the  island  of  Orleans.  The  latter  sui)position  Is 
said  to  be  almost  impossible,  and  is  (loul)ted.  In  tlie  first  case,  I,  with 
the  first  Brunswicli  division-  which  will  l)e  the  first  to  arrive,  will 
diseml)arl<  on  the  island  Orleans  and  ascertain  if  a  descent  can  l)0 
made  on  the  coast  of  Quebec;  itself,  and  if  the  heights,  on  wlilch 
General  Wolfe  fought  his  l)aUle,  can  be  gained. 

Should  liiiebec  be  but  weakly  garrisoned  by  the  rebels,  it  is 
thought  to  l)e  an  easy  matter  to  retake  tlie  place  from  the  side ;  but 
this  is  only  possible,  provided  we  are  accompanied  l)y  a  transport  of 
artillery.  If,  however,  the  garrison  at  Quebec  is  too  strong,  then  we 
must  stay  on  the  island  of  Orleans  and  await  there  the  arrival  of  the 
other  English  troops  and  tlie  second  division.  And  should  it  i)rovo 
that  a  large  rebel  army  is  at  (Quebec,  tlien  we  shall  not  l)e  able  to  go 
even  to  this  island,  l)ul  will  have  to  remain  on  the  vessels,  at  the 
mouth  of  tlie  St.  Lawrence,  until  our  entire  army  arrives.  The  ex- 
pedition will  then  begin  with  the  siege  of  Queltec;  and  should  this 
be  begun,  tlie  season  will  probably  [lass  witliout  the  capture  by  our 
troops  of  Montreal. 

The  army  of  General  Howe,  with  whom  will  be  all  the  Hessian 
troops,  will,  after  leaving  2,()00  men  at  Boston,  rendezvous  on  Long 
island,  and  make  that  place  the  basis  of  future  operatious.  This  army 
will  go  up  the  Hudson  mostly  by  water,  iind  thus  also  operate  against 
Crown  Point.  Sliould  this  army  succeed  in  placing  itself  be- 
tween Nortliainpton  and  Luneburg  and  remain  master  of  tlie  Hudson 
and  Connecticut  rivers,  then  the  rebels  not  only  will  be  cut  in  two, 
and  the  connection  severed  between  Philadelphia  and  Cambridge, 
but  tlie  armies  of  Generals  Carleton  and  Howe  will  be  able  to  form  a 
junction. 

The  third  expedition  is  to  be  undertaken  liy  General  Clinton  and 
Lord  Dunmore  in  Virginia.  They  are  to  ascertain  if  tliat  province 
can  be  gained  over  to  the  royal  cause  by  kind  measures.  In  case 
they  are  successful  in  this,  they  will  endeavor  to  form  there  a  national 
army,  make  a  junction  with  the  royal  troops,  and  then  marcli  against 
Maryland  and  New  York.  But  should  they  not  succeed  in  their 
31 


1*% 


242 


OFFlr/AL  lJOrr.WK.yTS  iikiatinq 


(!fr<>rts  lit  roiuilliUion,  then  ("llntoii  U  to  ri'unllc  with  IIowo.  For 
this  rciiHoii  Kiiglinli  rcginiinlw  only  iin'  to  lii'  tinploycd  on  tlilH  ex- 
pedition. 

TliiH  iH  tlic  f,'<!n('iiil  plan.    I  will  Ik!  iiltle  to  send  more  piirtlciiliir 
ncwH  to  your  serene  highness  from  England  or  rather  IVoni  Spit  head. 
Hoping  lliut  your  serene  highness  will  graeiously  remend)er  mc, 
I  remain  willi  deep  devotion, 

Your  Idgliness's  huinlile  servant, 

KiKDKSKI.. 


' 


Hoping  that  your  higliiiess  has  received  my  last  report,  I  proceed 
to  state  the  condition  we  arc  in  at  present; 

The  reliels  still  hold  the  city  and  island  of  Montreal  where  tlic 
river  Hiehelieu  empties  into  the  8t.  Lawrence.  The  corps,  wliich  is 
to  operate  against  Canada,  numbers  about  4,000  men,  and  is  en- 
camped near  St.  Johns.  It  is  represented  as  being  in  the  greatest 
consternation,  and  preparing  to  ])aek  up  and  retreat.  In  thul  case 
our  arujy,  if  llie  wind  is  favorable,  can  get  there. 

All  the  English  regiments,  with  the  exception  of  one,  either  liave 
gone  or  are  going  to  Three  Rivers,  Aviiere  is  the  rendezvous  of  the 
nuun  army.  They  go  partly  by  land  and  partly  by  w:iler.  Tliesc 
regiments  operate  on  our  right  or  on  the  left  bank  of  the  St.  Lawrence, 
General  Carleton  was  so  kind  as  to  intrust  ine  witli  a  separate  corps 
consisting  of  ;tOO  Indians,  150  Canadians,  the  English  battalion  Muke- 
linc,  the  grenadier  battalion  Hreyniann  iind  the  regiments  Kiedcsel 
and  Ilesso  Ilanau.  I  an\  to  remain  on  tlie  otlier  side  or  to  the  right 
of  the  Hiver  St.  Lawrence,  advance  as  far  as  Sorel  in  ordir  to  attack 
it  in  case  the  rebels  attenii)t  to  hold  it,  and  then  wail  lor  fin-ther 
orders  from  (Jeneral  Carleton.  He  appears  to  hav<'<'onli(l<  iice  in  me, 
for  he  gives  me  at  all  times,  either  the  command  of  the  advance 
guard,  <)r  of  a  separate  corps.  I  cannot  deny  that  I  am  e.\<'ecdingly 
tlatlered  that  this  general  desires  to  use  me  in  preference  to  all ;  and 
1  am  convinced  that  tlie  Hnmswick  troops  will  have  an  opportunity 
to  distinguish  themselves,  and  that  they  will  not  sutler  from  want  of 
provisions  as  there  are  not  too  many  of  them  together.  Tlie  pro- 
visions, including  the  biscuits,  we  draw  from  the  large  transports, 
whicli  follow  us  c(mstanlly. 

The  dragoons  and  the  regiment  Prin  Fred.  , ,,  iv  lave  ;iunished 
to-day  the  first  guard  in  the  <iiv  ''  '  ..jbersiao  men.  Tlie  parade 
was  good,  and  Carleton  api  j,\\\\  pleased.      '  'lese  two  regi- 

ments furnish  also  n  guard  of  .m  for  the  lieiglii       ■>  isite  Quelu'C, 

in  order  to  keep  a  lot  of  dislt..       Canadian-*  straight.    The  garrison 


TO  OKS.  itit:i)KSKi:s  iam i:\iiis. 


24;{ 


licH  ill  ImrriK-kH  in  a  pretty  cninroi'taltU'  coinlition,  and  arc  furiiiMJicil 
radons  liy  llu!  ttin^. 

I  iiavf  goni'  ovi'r  ali  of  tlut  t'ortlHcallonH  at  (iiii'liec!.  VVt'rc  tlioy 
in  Ocrinany,  four  (o  clKlit  camion  would  nial<c  sucli  an  o|icuiuir  in 
tlicni  ill  a  U'W  Ikiui'm  tliat  lialf  a  l)attalion  coui(i  luarcli  tlirou);li  il.  It 
cannot  lie  divided  liiat  (.'arlcton  Ims  dii'pliiycd  i;rcat  liravcry.  Il(^  had 
a  ^'rcal  ainoiiiit  of  \vorl<  doiu^  in  llic  iniddic  of  tin;  winter,  tliat  tlu! 
forlilications  mij^lil  lie  placed  in  a  lolcralily  defensive  eondilion,  and 
lu^  lias  rallied  a  garrison,  coiisislint;  of  citi7.ens,('auadianH  and  sailors, 
not  liaviiiK  had  a  single  regular  soldier.  Hut  it  must  also  lie  confessed, 
Oil  tlie  other  hand,  that  the  reliels  must  lie  a  miseralile  lot  of  sohliers, 
since  so  few  men,  in  such  a  condition,  are  alile  to  oppose  them. 

I  witnessed  to-day  a  great  ceremony.  Four  deputations  of  Indians, 
in  the  name  of  their  people,  otl'ered  their  services  to  the  king  of  Kiig- 
laiul.  The  hiwer  part  of  their  bodies  was  naked,  and  was  painted 
all  over  with  red  and  green.  They  spoke  in  llieir  own  language, 
which  was  explained  liy  an  interpreter.  (Jeneral  Carlelon  tolil  them 
that  lw<i  armies  would  marc'li  up  the  river  on  either  hank.  They 
could,  therefore,  decide  for  themselves  whether  they  would  go  with 
liim  or  with  nie. 

For  the  purpose  of  giving  your  highness  an  idea  of  the  marc^h  wo 
are  about  to  enter  upon,  I  take  tlie  liberty  of  stating  the  following ; 

The  men  will  march  by  land.  Each  regiment  will  receive  four 
bateau.v,  on  which  the  tents,  otHcer's  baggage,  and  rations  for  fltleen 
days  are  to  be  transported.  They  are  to  eiicami)  close  by  the  river 
on  suitalile  hills,  which,  in  case  of  necessity,  will  be  entrenched  by 
redoubts  and  (lit(^hcs.  Ail  the  baggage  is  to  lie  carried  on  board  Ihi) 
baleau.\  (which  will  be  clo.se  at  hand),  before  lircaking  up  camp  and 
marching  furtlicr.  The  .savages,  ('anadians  and  llie  light  troops  will 
form  a  chain  around  the  camp.  Th<>  larger  transports,  on  whieli  tlu! 
heavy  baggage  is  to  be  h'tl,  will  tbllow  at  a  distance. 

At  present,  llie  horses  will  be  of  no  use,  on  account  of  tin'  army 
having  to  cross  little  rivers  over  wliicli  there  are  no  bridges.  I  was 
obliged  to  leave  all  our  hor.ses  behind  at  (Quebec,  where  they  will 
have  a  chance  to  rest;  nor  shall  I  have  them  lirought  to  me  until  I 
reach  LakeCliamplain.  Thither  I  shall  go,  like  llic  rest  of  the  army, 
on  foot ;  and  1  liojie  I  shall  set  a  good  example  to  my  men. 

lean  report  nothing  further  in  regard  to  our  march.  One  dragoon  has 
died  at  CJuebec.  Those  who  are  dangerously  ill  are  there  in  a  hospital. 
I  pray  your  gracious  remembrance,  etc., 

HrKDKSKI,.' 


'  This  letter  was  protwtily  written  IVom  La  Prairio,  under  date  of  June  sa,  1770. 


244 


OFFICIAL  DOC'VMENTS  RELATING 


Since  my  lust  report,  notliiiig  new  on  the  part  of  the  enemy  has 
taken  place.  All  the  regiments  yet  remain  in  the  same  (luarlers  as 
when  I  last  wrote. 

Last  week,  on  the  25th  of  July,  the  English  Brigadier  Gordon  was 
shot  in  the  riirl'.t  shoulder  while  in  the  woods  near  St.  John,  and  now 
lies  in  a  dangerous  condition.  I,  myself,  have  passed  over  this  same 
road  more  than  thirty  times.  Through  our  patrols  (consisting  of 
Canadians,  Indians  and  regulars),  it  was  ascertained  that  tlu^  rebels 
had  sent  one  captain  and  filly  men  through  the  woods  from  Crown 
Point  (wiiieh  is  forty  leagues  from  here),  to  reconnoitre  the  canton- 
men'l  of  our  troops.  One  of  their  ollicers  with  five  men  actually 
stole  into  the  very  centre  of  our  encampment.  It  was  these  latter  who 
shot  Brigadier  General  Gordon. 

With  an  army  in  Gernniny  it  would  be  scarcely  possible  for  an 
enemy  to  steal  into  a  cantonment,  but  here,  and  with  the  way  in 
which  armies  are  posted,  it  is  easier.  The  only  wonder  is  how  the 
rebels  could  make  this  long  inarch  of  forty  leagues  through  deserts 
and  dense  woods,  and  carry,  at  the  same  time,  rations  for  fifteen  days 
on  their  backs.  The  ctfect,  however,  of  their  audacity  will  be  to 
cause  Brigadier  Frazer,  with  the  light  infimtry,  to  advance  to  Isle 
aiix  Noi.\.  Meanwhile,  100  Indians  and  200  Canadians  have  gone  to 
Crown  Point  to  strike  a  blow. 

I  ascribe  the  large  number  of  .sick  solely  to  the  rations  received  on 
board  the  ships.  These  rations  are  still  furnished  at  Quebec,  but 
Carlctou,  in  conse(|uence  of  my  oft  repeated  reipicsts,  has  granted 
fresh  meat;  and  I,  therefore,  hope  that  the  sick,  especially  among 
the  dragoons  who  projOTrlionatcly  have  the  largest  number  ill,  will 
now  decrea.sc  in  nmnber.  Those  who  have  died  at  liucbec,  were 
generally  those  who  were  too  (piickly  cured  of  fever  last  fall;  and  it 
may  be  for  a  similar  rea,«on,  that  those  companies,  who  were  at 
Wolfenbtittel,  have  the  most  sick,  and  those  who  were  at  Brunswick 
the  fewest. 

All  the  deserters,  willi  the  exception  of  three,  have  been  caught. 
Six  were  punished  to-day  and  six  are  yet  to  be  tried.  A  grenadier, 
who,  on  llu'  inarch,  woimded  a  noncommissioned  olllcer,  who  urged 
him  on  while  straggling,  evidently  with  the  intention  of  deserting, 
will  very  likely  be  sentenced  to  death  by  a  court  nnirtial.  Two 
Canadians,  who  aided  two  of  our  men  to  desert,  I  had  whipped  before 
the  front  this  morning.  This  I  did  w  ith  the  consent  of  (icncral  Carle- 
ton.  It  caused,  however,  ([uile  an  excitement  among  the  inhabitants, 
who  will  be  careful  in  ftU'ire.  All  tliosi'  who  caught  deserters  re- 
ceived from  me  one  guinea  iwr  dqiitn.     A  few  nonconuuissioned 


TO  QEN.  RIEDESEVS  CA31PAI0N. 


245 


ofllcers  were  punished  by  me,  for  negligence,  by  oeing  cliained  and 
wliipped ;  and  tlircc  young  officers  were  placed  under  arrest  for  the 
same  olfense. 

I  cannot  but  praise  the  zeal  and  activity  of  the  commanders  of 
regiments. 

The  two  regiments  quartered  here  now  drill  and  fire  in  whole 
battalions.  They  are,  without  praising  ourselves,  so  well  drilled  that 
I  wish  I  could  show  them  to  your  highness,  so  confident,  a>.i  I,  that 
you  would  ho  satisfied  with  them.  They  are  better  than  they  were 
last  full.  The  grenadier  battalion  level  their  muskets,  aud  get 
down  on  their  knees  l)etter '  tiuvn  my  own  regiment,  but  the  latter 
loads  and  marches  better,  and  takes  surer  aim.  I  have  sueeeded  in 
creating  a  certain  jealousy  between  the  two  Itattalions.  Breymann 
does  not  like  to  see  my  regiment  get  ahead  of  his,  aud  I,  on  my  i)arl, 
tell  mine,  which  I  drill  myself,  that  the  grenadiers  drill  better  than 
they. 

We  still  know  nothing  different  regarding  the  army  of  General 
Howe.  The  time  for  crossing  Lake  Champlain  seems  as  yet  ([uile  in 
the  future,  aud  I  can,  therefore,  report  nothing  reliable  in  relation  to 
the  time  of  our  commencing  our  march. 

RlEDESKI.." 

There  is  nothing  new  to  report  to  your  highness.  The  army  is 
still  in  its  old  (luarters,  with  this  difl'erence,  that  General  Frazer, 
with  his  three  battalions,  the  English  grenadiers,  the  English  light 
infantry  and  the  24tii  Hegimeut,  is  encamped  on  the  Isle  au.v  Noi.v, 
and  further,  that  the  i)ost  at  St.  John  has  again  been  garrisoned  by 
the  (i'Jd  Heginu'ut,  and  200  men  of  my  brigade  under  Lieutenant 
Colonel  Von  Specht.  1  was  at  St.  John  myself  in  order  to  place  and 
instruct  this  command  properly.  I  also  visited  Isle  aux  Noix  at  the 
same  time.  This  is  a  good  post,  and  may  l)e  considered  the  key  to 
Canada  from  the  New  England  side.  There  is  still,  on  this  island,  a 
large  entrenchment,  built  by  the  French  during  the  last  war,  which 
is  yet  in  good  condition  and  of  good  service  to  Brigadier  Frazer. 

Our  ship  building  at  St.  John  jirogre.-ises  slowly;  and,  although 
(ieueral  Burgoyne  has  assured  me  that  everything  will  \w  ready  in 
ten  days,  and  that  the  army  will  be  able  to  cross  the  lake  by  the  1st 
of  September,  1  must  ('onfess  that  I  doubt  it,  and  believe,  alas,  with 
good  reasons,  that  tiiecommeneenieul  of  the  expedition  will  have  to 
be  postponed  l<>urleeu  days  longer. 


■  I.  e.,  ill  ordiT  to  lire.—  TmiiMalor. 
»  Wiitlcu  tliu  liittor  piirt  of  July,  1770. 


24G 


OFFICIAL  VOCUMESTS  RELATINO 


GeiuTul  Ciirlcton  liiis  not  yet  returned  from  Que))cc,  the  rcestablisli- 
ment  of  all  civil  ofliies  keeping  him  longer  than  he  at  first  expected. 
Neither  have  we  reliable  intelligence  from  the  fleet  of  my  lord,  nor 
from  the  army  of  General  lIow(f.  There  is  a  rumor  afloat  at  Montreal 
that  my  lord  Howe  had  entered  the  Hudson  in  sight  of  New  York, 
and  that  the  army  was  disembarking  behind  that  city  and  the  fortified 
camp  of  the  rebels.  In  such  a  case,  it  was  said,  that  the  latter  would 
be  surrounded.  Should  this  news,  which,  however,  needs  confirma- 
tion, be  true,  then  the  rebels  would  be  in  a  sad  fix,  and  nothing 
would  be  lell  for  them  Ijut  to  attack  Howe  with  a  disadvantage,  or 
to  surrender  finally  for  want  of  provisions.  Neither  Carleton  nor 
Burgoyne  have  any  news  whatever  from  llowe.  He  has  not  cccn 
communiciikd  to  them  his  plan  of  operatums. 

The  condition  of  the  troops  as  regards  desertions,  arrests,  sick,  etc., 
etc.,  your  highness  will  see  by  the  accompanying  report.  The  sick 
an;  in  aliout  the  same  proportion,  but  it  seems  as  if  their  number 
would  now  finally  diminish,  since  the  terrible  heat  has  gone  by. 
Some  have  died,  but  they  were  mostly  those  who  had  weak  lungs. 
I  am  about  done  with  drilling  the  men ;  and,  I  must  confess,  without 
boasting,  that  the  two  battalions,  which  arc  here,  are  in  a  very  good 
condition.    I  wait  for  Carleton's  return  to  show  thcin  to  him. 

lllEDESEL.' 


Nothing  of  interest  has  occurred  since  my  last  report  of  July  2i)th, 
from  Skccnsborougli,  except  that  I  was  detached  to  Castletown  with 
five  biitfalionsof  the  letll  wing  from  the  lOth  to  the'-J.'itli,  for  the  purpose 
of  making  the  rebels  beUev(!  tliat  the  army  intended  marching  in  that 
direction,  and  of  giving  the  loyal  inhabitants  a  chancer  to  Join  the 
army.  1  have  sent  out  a  numlier  of  detachnu'iits,  given  orders  for 
taking  down  and  erecting  magazines,  and  reeoimoitered  as  far  as  my 
corps  was  to  be  the  advanctr  guard  of  the  army.  Oppo-ile  me,atu 
distance  of  about  ten  hours,  stood  a  corps  of  500  men,  imder  Colonel 
Von  Werner;  and,  alt  hough  I  have  twice  asked  permission  to  scatter 
this  corps,  Uin'goyue  will  not  allow  me  to  do  il,  pretending  that  he 
docs  n(»t  wish  me  to  go  so  far  away  from  the  army. 

The  passage  of  the  artillery  antl  its  ammunition  across  Lake  George 
having  been  arranged,  Hurgoyne,  with  the  right  wing,  advanced 
from  Skeensborough  to  Fort  Anne  with  the  intention  of  there  await- 
ing my  return  from  ('aslletown,  and  then  attacking  the  rebel  army 
near  Fort  Edward.     iJut  the  latter  did  not  wait  for  our  arrival ;  tor 


/ 


I  WritteiuiboiU  the  89lh  of  Aufiixt,  ITTO. 


7 


TO  GEX.  RIEDESEVS  CAMPAIGN. 


247 


Monsieur  Arnold,  as  soon  as  our  advance  guard  showed  itself,  fell 
back  five  English  miles.  On  the  second  daj-  lie  went  hack  as  far  as 
Saratoga.  During  this  retreat,  his  rear  guard  lost  upward  of  ;iO 
prisoners,  and  ([uite  as  many  dead.  The  want  of  teams,  in  which  to 
transport  the  baggage  and  ammunition,  was  tlie  cause  of  our  arn\y 
being  able  only  to  advance  in  battalions.  As  I  was  the  furthest 
behind,  on  account  of  my  expedition  to  Castletown,  I  did  not  reach 
the  army  with  tjic  right  wing  until  yesterday. 

Unless  a  total  cliange  is  made  in  the  system  of  the  army,  it  will  be 
impossible  to  execute  with  it  rapid  movements.  So  mucli  ditllculty 
is  experienced  by  our  having  no  teams,  and  l)eing  so  far  away  from 
our  bateaux,  that  the  army  is  unable  to  advance  three  German  miles 
without  waiting  again  eight  and  ten  days  for  our  necessary  supplies 
to  be  brought  uj). 

I  have  taken  tlie  liberty  of  proposing  a  plan  to  Hurgoyue,  viz :  to 
send  a  detachment  to  the  tiatlands  of  the  Connecticut  river,  and  con- 
fiscate all  the  liorses  in  that  vicinity.  Tliere  are  a  great  many  in 
that  region,  and,  in  this  way,  our  1,500  Canadian  horses  can  l)e  de- 
voted enl''X'ly  to  drawing  the  artillery  and  trains,  leaving  the  liorses, 
thus  procured,  solely  for  the  conveyance  of  tlie  baggage.  The  army 
could  then  march  whenever  it  pleased.  lie  seemed  to  like  the  plan 
very  much,  and  told  mc  he  intended  to  carry  it  out.  He  also  said 
thai  he  would  then  mount  the  regiment  of  dragoons. 

Yesterday  we  received  the  lirst  reliable  news  from  General  Howe's 
army.  It  seems  he  advanced  from  New  York  up  the  Hudson  ;  and, 
it  is  supposed  that  a  general  engagement  will  take  |)lace  between  his 
forces  and  the  main  army  under  Washington,  wlio  is  forlilied  on  the 
highlands.  A  portion  of  Howe's  army  lias  been  detached  to  tlie 
right  toward  the  Connecticut  river,  and  it  is  said  lo  have  a<lvauce(l 
as  far  as  Hartford.  Another  delacliineiit,  it  is  also  stated,  has  been 
sent  to  Philadelphia,  but  it  is  not  known  as  yet  how  far  it  has  pro- 
gressed. 

It  appears  to  be  the  iuteiition  of  (Jeueral  Washington  to  concen- 
trate the  entire  strength  of  the  rebels  at  niif  point,  and  there  await  its 
final  fate.  If,  therefore,  our  armies  move  earelully,  and  neither  one 
nor  the  other  are  defeated,  it  is  fair  to  presume  that  the  whole  rebel 
army  will  be  surrounded  before  the  end  of  September,  and  our  army 
united  to  that  of  General  Howe. 

As  regards  the  condition  of  the  regiments,  their  health  is  much 
better  this  j-ear  than  tlie  la.it.  Still,  tlio.>ie  of  Uhet/.  and  Speelit  have 
(|uite  a  number  sick.  I  have  ordered  all  the  lieavy  baggage,  and 
whatever  else  the  regiments  have  left  behind  in  ('anada,  to  be  sent  to 
Carillon  (Ticonderoga). 


248 


OFFICIAL  nuOUMENTS  IlELATINO 


Inasmuch  ns  the  company  of  chasseurs  have  done  such  extraordi- 
nary good  service  at  ITubardstown,  and  it  is  necessary  that  its  prestige 
witli  tlie  enemy  sliould  be  maintained,  I  intend,  witlitlie  approl)alion 
of  your  liigiiness,  to  talie  frcmi  tlie  other  regiments  tliose  elmsseur*, 
tliat  are  well  drilled,  and  add  them  to  it.  Tluis  it  will  always  be 
kept  in  line  condition  for  service. 

RlEDESEI..' 


7 


Fortune  is  often  fickle,  but  especially  so  in  war,  a  fact  of  which  the 
following  unpleasant  event  is  a  proof.  Misfortune  has  fallen  in  an 
especial  manner  upon  a  portion  of  your  troops,  and  that,  too,  after  the 
glorious  affair  at  Hubardstown. 

Your  highness  will  remember  seeing  in  my  last  report  how  difflcidt 
and  laborious  our  marches  have  been  on  account  of  the  want  of 
horses  and  vehicles  for  the  transportation  of  tlie  provisions,  artillery 
and  regimental  baggage.  When  in  cami)  at  Skeensborough,  I  took 
the  liberty  of  communicating  my  ideas  on  the  subject  to  General 
Burgoyne.  He  accepted  my  memoir  —  a  copy  of  which  I  liere  in- 
close as  i)roof,  and  answered  me  tliat  mj'  suggestions  accorded  with 
his  views,  and  he  would,  therefore,  endeavor  to  curry  them  out  as 
soon  as  possible. 

This  memoir  was  written  by  me  on  the  23d  of  July,  and  was 
answered  by  him  on  the  27th.  Tlie  troops  were  marching ;  every- 
thing was  quiet ;  and  I  heard  nothing  more  of  this  project  until  tlie 
4tli  of  August,  when  the  whole  army  were  together  near  Fort  Ed- 
ward. All  at  once,  Burgoyne  came  in  the  afternoon  into  my  tent, 
and  handed  me  for  my  pejusnl,  the  instructions  whicii  had  been 
made  for  Lieutenant  Colonel  Baum  to  join  him  in  an  expedition. 
He  further  stated  tliat  tlie  latter  was  to  carry  out  the  instructions 
immediately,  and  that  they  had  been  given  him  in  consequence  of  a 
plan  which  I  had  sent  to  himself  (General  Burgoyne).  But  how 
great  was  my  astonishment  at  finding  my  plan  so  changed!  My 
idea  was  to  have  Baum  march  behind  the  aiiny,  by  way  of  Castle- 
town and  Clarendon,  to  the  Connecticut  river.  Thus,  tlie  enemy's 
army  would  not  have  discovered  the  movement  soon  enough  to  send 
a  hostile  force  against  Baum.  It  would  also  have  been  within  our 
power  lo  get  in  \\\v  rear  of  his  army  with  a  corps  •if  our  own  men. 
But  instead  of  Ibis,  it  was  ordered  in  the  instructions  that  Haum 
should  cross  the  Battenkill  opposite;  Saratoga,  and  march  straight  to 
Bennington,  where  a  liostilv  force  was  defending  a  strong  magazine. 


'  ProlMibly  written  the  fore|«in  or  Angimt,  Vm, 


T 


TO  OEN.  lilEDEfiEL'S  CA.VPAW.V. 


249 


It  was  hoped  that  Baum  wonhl  be  able  to  beat  tlic  enemy  at  Ben- 
nington and  capture  this  niaguzine,  atler  wiiicli  lie  was  to  niarcli  to 
Mancliester  and  so  carry  out  Ills  instructions. 

This  corps,  also,  was,  contrary  to  my  advice,  formed  much  weaker 
than  was  advisable,  and  was  likewise  composed  of  so  many  ditlerent 
troops  that  it  was  not  nearly  as  effective  as  I  desijfned.  Accordingly 
I  did  not  fail  to  represent  the  danger  to  which  Lieutenant  C()U)nel 
Baum  would  be  exposed,  showing  at  the  same  time  very  plainly 
that  he  would  be  unable  to  attain  his  olyect.  Nevertheless,  General 
Burgoyne  nniiiitaincd  his  purpose,  giving  for  it  the  tbllowiug 
reasons : 

Ist.  By  the  capture  of  the  magazine  at  Bennington  our  army  woidd 
be  provided  with  rations  for  at  least  from  ten  to  fourteen  days;  and 
thus  we  would  be  enabled  to  transfer  a  large  magazine  from  Fort 
George  to  Saratoga,  and  continue  the  expedition. 

2d.  As  he  was  about  to  advance  himself  with  the  entire  army  to 
Saratoga,  and  General  Fraser  being  already  as  near  as  could  be  to 
Stillwater,  where  General  Arnold  was,  the  enemy  most  certainly 
would  not  dare  to  send  troops  in  large  niunbei-s  to  Bennington.  But 
even  if  he  should  do  so  he  (General  Burgoyne)  woidd  be  ready  at 
any  moment  to  attack  a  corps  thus  sent,  in  the  rear. 

3d.  Lieutenant  Colonel  St.  Leger  was  then  besieging  Fort  Stanwix 
on  the  Mohawk  river.  General  Arnold  desired  to  retain  that  fort, 
and  would,  therefore,  detach  a  considerable  force  thither.  In  order 
to  prevent  him  from  doing  this,  we  must  engage  the  enemy's  at- 
tention. 

All  my  representations  were,  therefore,  in  vain.  General  Fraser 
and  Lieutenant  Colonel  Baum  started  on  the  !)th  of  August.  The 
latter  was  to  receive  his  several  detachments  from  the  former,  lie 
was  instructed  in  everything  according  to  the  wishes  of  Burgoyne ; 
and  Captain  O'Connell,  also  an  engineer  olHcer,  was  sent  with  him 
as  an  interi)reter.  Colonel  and  Governor  Skeene  also  accompanied 
him  to  assist  in  the  dispatches  and  the  ditlerent  supplies. 

When  Lieutenant  Colonel  Baum  arrived  at  Fort  Miller,  where  he 
was  to  receive,  on  the  following  day,  the  necessary  troops  fnjin 
Fraser,  everything  was  wanted.  Neither  the  savages,  nor  the  Cana- 
dians could  be  rallied  — most  of  them  having  advanced  against  the 
rebels  near  Stillwater.  Baum  was  thus  forced  to  remain  at  Fort 
Miller  on  the  lOth,  aiul  I  received  orders,  against  my  judgment,  to 
furnish  another  100  men  of  Breymann's  corps  as  a  reenforeement  to 
Baum. 

On  the  11th,  the  latter  advanced  to  the  Balteukill  opposite  fkraloga, 
and  arrived  on  the  12tli  at   Cambridge.     His  advance  guard  eii- 
32 


If 
% 


7 


250 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  liELATINO 


countered  a  detncliment  of  rebels  which  was  repulsed.  Eight  men 
were  taken  prisoners,  and  u  nuigu/.ine,  containing  100  bushels  of 
corn,  a  large  (luantity  of  Hour,  1,500  oxen,  and  a  great  many  other 
things  were  captured.  It  was  iicre  that  Raum  was  informed  that  the 
enemy  at  Bennington  numbered  from  l."),000  to  18,000  men,  but  that 
they  were  mostly  militia  men  who  had  little  idea  of  lighting,  and 
who,  at  his  advance,  would  certainly  fall  back.  lie  also  learned  that 
the  stores  at  Bennington  were  considerable,  containing  upward  of 
2,000  oxen  and  300  horses. 

Aninuited  by  the  residt  of  his  first  encounter,  and  being  a  man  of 
determined  will,  Baum  made  up  his  mind  to  march  on  Bennington 
on  the  ]!tth,  and  dislodge  the  enemy  at  that  place.  lie  sent  a  report 
of  all  that  had  happened  up  to  that  lime  to  Burgoyne,  who  not  only 
was  well  i)lease(l  with  his  whole  conduct,  but  consented  to  the  attack 
on  Bennington,  with,  however,  this  remark,  that  he  (Baum)  should 
not  advance  until  he  was  well  informed  of  the  enemy's  position  and 
was  siife  of  attacking  it  advantageously. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Baum  halted  on  tne  13th,  four  miles  this  side 
of  Bennington.  On  the  morning  of  tlie  14th,  just  as  lie  was  in  the 
act  of  starting,  ho  was  attacked  by  about  700  men,  who,  however, 
fell  back  upon  the  tiring  of  a  few  cannon.  Baum,  at  tliis  point, 
received  intelligence  from  some  royalists  and  a  prisoner,  that  the 
enemy  was  well  fortified  at  Bennington,  and  that  he  expected  reen- 
forcements  when  he  would  there  nud<e  an  attack.  Acicordingly, 
Baum  very  judiciously  changed  his  plan  ;  renuuned  where  he  was, 
and  asked  for  reenforcements.  But  the  tone  of  his  re(|uest  was  such 
as  made  Burgoyne  believe  that  he  did  not  wish  to  risk  anything,  and 
only  asked  for  reenforcements  that  he  might  attack  Bennington. 

This  was  tiie  time  when  Baum  sliouid  have  fallen  back;  because 
tiic  distance  Ix'tween  him  and  Breymann  (some  thirty  miles)  was  too 
great  for  the  latter  to  come  to  his  assistance  in  season,  in  case 
of  attack.  But  this  was  not  tliouglit  of,  and  Breymann  received 
orders  on  liic  morning  of  the  15th,  to  go  to  the  assistance  of  Baum, 
who  was  informed  of  his  coming. 

Tile  reason  why  Baum  was  not  recalled  was,  that  he  was  bent 
upon  taking  Bennington.  I  will  not  recapitulate  the  details  of  this 
expedition,  but  inclose  herewith  his  report.  By  this,  as  well  as  l)y 
other  eircumstanca'S,  it  is  plain  Unit  tlu^  distance  between  hint  and 
Breynuuin  was  too  great  for  the  latter  to  arrive  in  time.  All,  who 
were  present,  testify  tliat  Baum  and  the  troops  did  well.  He  had 
thoroughly  beaten  the  enemy  when  he  was  forced,  through  want 
of  amnnmition,  to  retreat.  This  the  enemy  observing,  again 
advanced. 


-jr.' 


7 


ro  OES.  lUEDEHEVti  CAUVAUIS. 


251 


In  rcffiinl  to  Iho  commencement  of  this  iitliiir,  its  progress  nnd  its 
termination  no  oik;  yet  can  state  anytiiin^  delinite.  Tiie  statements 
of  tiiose  wlio  liave  <'seai)e(l  are  ho  at  variance  tliat  no  certain  conclu- 
sion can  be  at  present  reaclicd.  But  tliis  mucli  is  certain ;  tliat  IJaum, 
after  Iteinj,'  informed  tliat  Breymann  was  coinins,'  to  his  assistance, 
would  not  leave  his  jjost.  Several  small  hands  of  armed  men  were 
near  his  camp  in  the  morning,  hut  he  was  told  that  they  wer(!  royal- 
ists. Between  nine  and  ten  o'clock,  these  bands  growini,'  stronger 
and  stronger,  he  began  to  investigate,  and  foinul  that  he  was  entirely 
surrounded  by  the  enemy.  These  were  the  1,800  men  froni  JJemiing- 
ton,  who,  the  previous  day,  had  been  rcenforced  by  3,000  men  from 
Arnold'.s  army  —  a  fact  of  which  no  one  knew  anything. 

^  Upon  a  prearranged  signal,  he  was  attacked  at  sibout  half-past  ten 
■  o'clock  from  all  sides.  lie  held  out  for  two  hours,  repulsing  the 
enemy  twice,  until  having  expended  all  his  ammunition  he  was  on 
the  point  of  retreating  with  his  dragoon  regiment,  being  entirely  cut 
off  from  the  savages  and  Canadians.  Twice  he  cut  his  way  through 
the  enemy.  None  of  the  dragoons  having  another  shot,  he  ordered 
them  to  .sling  their  guns  over  their  shoulders  and  draw  their  swords. 
In  this  way  he  endeavored  to  cut  his  way  through  the  third  time. 
What  has  been  the  fate  of  the  poor  men  God  only  knows.  Of  the 
dragoons,  who  left  here  one  hundred  and  fifty  men  strong,  only 
seven  have  returned.  I  have  now  about  eighty  men  of  this  regiment 
with  me,  consisting  of  a  camp  guard,  a  few  sick  and  some  wlio  re- 
mained behind. 

General  Burgoyne  has  publicly  praised  the  men,  but  notwithstand- 
ing this,  I  cannot  divest  my.self  of  the  sorrow  which  I  feel  at  this 
event,  especially  since  the  expedition  was  planned  contrary  to  my 
wishes.  I,  myself,  olfered  to  go  with  Breymanu's  corps,  but  Bur- 
goyne reiused  me  on  the  ground  that  there  was  no  other  geiu^-al 
with  the  army  but  he  and  I.  Aside  from  the  great  loss  of  s()  many 
l)rave  nu'n  of  your  highness,  and  the  boast  of  the  rebels,  this  allair 
will  not  be  of  much  consetiuence,  for  Lieutenant  Colonel  St.  Leger 
has  captured  Fort  Stanwix  with  many  cannon  and  a  strong  garrison. 
It  is  also  said  that  General  Clinton  has  won  a  battle  near  the  high- 
lands. 

The  army  of  Arnold  has  evacuated  Stillwater,  and,  it  is  rumored, 
is  in  Albany.  As  soon  as  oiw  i)rovisious  and  the  necessary  bateau.x, 
which  are  transported  by  laud,  shall  have  reached  us,  the  army  will 
advance,  and  will  soon  be  in  Albany  in  spite  of  our  losses. 

I  would  recommend  to  your  favor  laeulenant  Colonel  Breymann 
and  Major  Von  Barner.  They  have  acted  bravely.  This  corps, 
with  the  exception  of  its  los.ses,  is  in  the  best  condition.     I  must  not 


r 


1 


252 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  UELATING 


suffer  many  more  such  losses,  otlierwise  I  would  rather  snerlflcc  my 
life  in  the  service  of  j'our  hij^hness,  tliim  to  spend  it  in  nothing  b  it 
sorrow  and  misfortune. 

Your  most  obedient  and  humble  servant, 

RiEDESEL.' 


MEMOIR  OF  CiENEKAL  UlEDESEL  TO  GENEUAL  BURGOYNE. 

Skeenhhoiiouoh,  July  23, 1777. 

Sir :  Your  excellency  will  remember  that  in  the  spring,  on  your 
arrival  at  Three  Uivers,  you  gave  me  permission  always  to  express 
my  opinion  to  you  frec^ly,  whenever  an  opportunity  for  doing  good 
to  the  regiments  od'ercd  itself.  The  position  in  which  the  army  is 
at  present  induces  me  to  take  this  freedom,  with  the  firm  confidence 
that  the  kindness  of  heart,  and  the  friendship  of  your  excellency  will 
pardon  it. 

Great  and  rapid  successes  have  at  once  i)laced  the  army  in  such  a 
position  tliat  we  will  often  be  forced  to  be,  either  with  the  whole  or 
part  ol'  the  armj',  far  away  from  the  rivers  and  our  bateaux.  The 
c(iuipment  of  the  army  is  of  such  a  nature  that  our  bateaux  are  very 
necessary,  if  we  would  not  fmd  oiu'selves  short  of  everything.  This 
makes  trouble.  One-half  of  a  regiment  runs  around  to  procure  the 
necessaries  for  the  soldier.  The  nu'ii  arc;  weary  from  toil,  and  the 
battalion  grow.s  so  weak  that  they  look  more  like  slim  companies 
than  heavy  nuisses  of  men.  The  movements  of  the  army  can  only 
be  carried  out  slowly  and  by  piece-meal,  lacking,  as  it  does,  the 
means  to  trans|>()rt  that  which  is  most  necessary. 

I,  therefore,  give  it  as  my  (>i)inioii  that  there  are  <mly  two  ways  for 
us  to  do.  We  must  with  the  army  always  remain  near  a  river,  and 
not  leave  it  until  means  oiler  themselves  for  transi)()rtiug  the  batea\ix 
to  another  river  — the  time  for  their  transportation  not  being  more 
than  eight  days.  This  proceeding,  however,  in  my  opinion,  is  at- 
tended with  the  following  di.-iadvautiiges  : 

1st.  The  army  are  able  to  move  but  very  slowly;  and  the  ad- 
vantages which  ort'er  themselves  upon  the  sudden  retreat  of  the 
enemy  cannot  be  availed  of  in  time.  Conse(iuentl3'  the  consternation 
which  might  jjcrhaps  be  produced  among  the  rebels  by  the  presence 
of  the  royal  army  would  not  be  increased. 

2d.  The  inhabitants  of  the  country,  who  are  at  present  extremely 
frightened,  will  voluntarily  submit,  and  the  army  in  a  short  time  be 


'  Written  the  latter  part  of  Aiiguat,  1TT7. 


r 


TO  tli-'y.  lUKUESKVa  VAMVAHIN. 


253 


provided  with  cvci ylliing,  providi'd  we  now  and  tlien  appear  witli 
delueliinentH.  Tlie  liitter,  however,  iiiimt  not  be  allowed  to  go  too 
great  a  distanee  from  the  n\ain  body.  The  enemy  has  small  i)arlie8 
everywhere,  and  Iheso  keep  the  peoi)le  in  sid)jection.  Therefore, 
conli.seate  all  the  teams,  and  make  a  desert  of  the  whole  country. 
Thus  your  excellency  will  be  able  to  gain  a  much  wider  Held  for  the 
operations  of  your  army  than  at  present. 

yd.  The  country,  which  our  army  has  just  left,  has  taken  fresh 
courage ;  a  new  militia  has  been  organized  ;  small  detachments  once 
more  roam  through  the.se  districts;  and  each  partisan  can  operate 
against  our  conununications.  This  latter  circumstance  nuiy  in  future 
be  even  more  detrimental  to  us  than  at  present. 

To  avoid  all  these  evils,  our  army  must  be  brought  into  a  condition 
in  which  it  can  move  with  much  more  celerity  than  it  has  been 
accustomed  to.  That  is,  the  requisite  number  of  horses  must  be 
procured  to  carry  the  necessary  baggage  of  the  oUicers,  the  tents, 
ammunition,  artillery  and  ])rovisions.  It  is,  in  my  opinion,  very 
disadvantageous  to  transport  the  baggage  and  tents  on  Canadian 
earls.  They  spoil  the  good  roads,  and  can  get  along  only  with  the 
utmost  difliculty  on  good  roads.  The  colmnn  is,  therelbre,  lengthened 
too  much,  and  the  men  are  very  ollen  without  tents,  the  carts  not 
being  able  to  keep  up.  But  a  pack  horse  goes  everywhere.  It  can 
walk  on  thci  Hanks  of  the  regiment,  and  thus  always  i)rovide  the 
army  with  necessaries.  Pack  horses,  tlujrefore,  would  in  my  humble 
opinion,  do  away  entirely  with  the  carts.  I  would,  also,  keep  no 
more  teams  than  were  absolutely  nece8.sary  for  the  transportation  of 
the  pnivisicms  and  artillery. 

When  the  regiments  have  a  sufficient  number  of  pack  horses  col- 
lected, and  when  the  transportation  of  the  artillery  is  safely  provided 
for,  then  your  excellency  can  send  out  detachments  at  pleasure; 
keep  a  ciicck  upon  the  main  body  of  liie  enemyj  and  thus  keep  the 
inhabitants  in  subjection  —  yea,  even  break  up  their  militia,  and  pro- 
cure liie  necessary  support  for  the  army  ";  You  can,  also,  extend  or 
contract  the  army  as  you  see  fit,  and  thus  freely  operate  indepen- 
dently of  the  bateaux  and  a  thousand  otiu'r  contingencies. 

I  l)elieve  that  the  arnij'  may  easily  be  i)laced  in  this  independent 
position  in  tiiree  or  four  weeks  at  tin?  furthest. 

The  country  between  here  and  the  Connecti(;ut  and  even  flfleen 
miles  bey<md  that  river  is  destitute  of  troops  and  full  of  the  best 
horses.  In  fact,  there  is  not  an  inhabitant  who  does  not  possess 
three  or  four  horses. 

If  your  exci  lucy  will  detach  to  the  Connecticut,  the  regiment  of 
dragoons,  the  corps  of  Peters  and  of  Yessop,  and  an  olliccr  and  thirty 


7 


254 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMKSTH  HELATISO 


of  cttoh  rcjfiiiicnl,  under  llie  coininiviKl  of  ti  jfood  stntl  ofllccr,  T  tun 
ronvinccil  tliiit  this  corps  would  |iro('iirc  tlii'  iicccHsary  niimlicr  of 
horses  lor  the  iiriny.  The  re;j;iiiieiit  of  drii^jooiis  woidtl  lliiis  b«! 
mounted,  and  do  all  that  your  exeelleney  w<nild  expeet  from  il. 

Your  excellency  ndiiht  deterndiu'  upon  a  prop<trllonate  tax  of 
iibout  five  to  six  f?uhieas  for  each  horse.  A  comndssary  ndjrhl  go 
with  this  corps  and  jjive  a  receipt  for  each  horse  to  tlie  owner,  who, 
upon  produeinj;  il,  could  lie  paid  liy  the  jreneral  cashier.  The  oHlcers 
who  received  liorses  nii',dit  then  have  Ww  money  for  them,  gradually 
deducted  from  their  i)ay,  while  the  hors<s  for  the  dragoons  would  be 
paid  for  by  the  king.  This  detaclnneni,  also,  could,  at  the  same 
time,  gather  up  all  the  ox  teams  to  be  used  in  transporting  the  pro- 
visions. This  plan,  if  carried  out,  would  place  the  army  in  the  most 
floinishing  condition,  and  your  excelleucy  would  no  longer  have 
any  dilliculty  in  carrying  out  each  movement,  cither  in  detail  or 
otherwise  according  to  your  own  plan. 

Your  excellency  might,  perhaps,  think  it  mean  to  take  all  the 
horses  from  the  inhabitants,  but  it  must  be  considered:  1st.  That  the 
chief  work  here  is  done  by  oxen,  and  that  horses  arc  only  nmtle  use 
ofcitlu'r  for  carrying  grain  to  the  mill,  or  for  riding.  2d.  The  horses 
could  be  bought  at  a  price  much  above;  their  value.  !Jd.  If  there  was 
a  want  of  horses,  they  woidd  not  be  able  to  convey  the  ntiWH  to  the 
enemy  so  rapidly  or  so  often.  4th.  This  little  blood  letting  woidd, 
at  least,  be  a  Just  punishment  for  their  treason  and  bad  conduct 
toward  their  king.  1  am  convinced  that  this  course  can  be  justified 
before  God,  the  king  and  |)arliamenl,  it  being  to  the  material  advan- 
tage of  the  aruiy  and  his  nnijesty.' 

Having  thus  connnunieated  my  ideas  candidly  and  contidentially 
to  till'  friendship  of  your  excelleni-y,  I  rely  on  your  forbearance  and 
pardon  for  my  freedom. 

I  have  the  honor,  etc., 

KlKUKSKL. 


'  Accordliis  to  n  (lociiniPiit,  Inclosod  wllti  IIiIh  ronimunlciilloii.  Iliprc  wcro  olovcii 
liiindnMl  mill  f()ii.v-»i'\  I'li  Imrx's  iicccM^ny  IVir  llic  ariny.  Tliin  Mtntciiu'iil  i)f  Eidiiiiijj 
is  111)1  (iiiltc  acciiriili'.  In  llie  diiciiineiil  lii'rc  ri'lVrrcd  to  (Wlikli  1  Imve,  mid  Is  now 
before  inol,  tlie  above  iininbcr,  1.1 1",  refers  only  to  llie  niiinlier  of  liorueH  neceBi<«ry 
to  nioiinl  the  men  and  otHcers  of  the  (Jerinaii  and  Englli'li  reglmeiitH.  According 
to  tlii«  dociiineni,  1,(KK1  additional  liorses  were  necessary  for  tlio  trniisiiortation  of 
the  tents,  amiiuiiiitloii,  artillery  and  provisions,  thuM  making  the  entire  number 
re<iiiislte  'i,!!".—  Tnimhitor. 


7 


r 

i 


TO  OE.V.  IllKDKSEVs  fAMPAfO^.  255 

IJiit  of  the  fjmrK  of  the  nniiminH-  and  Ihmiin  Coi-jm  nnilir  Uiutemmt 
Colond  liaum,  near  liciiuinyUni,  Aut/itnl  1((,  1777. 

Compilation,  »!  ArotiHT,  1777. 


Compoflltlon  of  the  corjw. 


Effcctlvo  condlllon  of 

thu  OX|KHlilioll. 


Numbor  ofthoKo  wIioho 
flitu  Ih  not  kuuwii. 


(IciK'mlw  of  Btnir, 1 

UcKIIIH'IiI  of  (llllL'OOIlH, ','  18 

OrriiiKlitT  liiitliillon, '  J 

Uct'linciit  Klu'tz I 

Hc^'liiu'iil   Iil('(l('ncl 1 

Uc^fiincnt  SiH'clil 

Ll«lil  Imttalloii  of  Hiiriier, '.'.\  3 

HcsHe  Iliinaii  iirtllli'ry 1 


Total, . 


31 


9  c 
'A 


87 


Number  of  thoBO  who  relurncrt  to  Iho  nrniy :  Soldiers  -  r.iglmont  of  dmifooiif. 
II ;  grt'iiadior  bnttallon,  1 ;  light  batlallon  of  Hariiur,  ii ;  total,  <l. 

Namen  of  tfioKe  offirem  w/iosafate  in  unknown. 
Of  tlie  dragoon  regiment: 

1.  Ciiptiiin  O'Connoll.ol"  the  General's  stuff;  2.  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Kauni;  ;t.  Major  Von  Maiborn;  4.  Captain  Fricke;  5.  Captain 
Ueineking;  0.  Captain  Sciilagenteufel,  Jr.;  7.  liieiitenant  Hrown, 
adjutant;  8.  Lieutenant  Von  Hecikroth;  0.  Lieutenant  Von  Botli- 
nier;  10.  Cornet  SdiOnewald ;  11.  Cornet  Griil";  V2.  Cornet  Stulzer; 
i:t.  Quarternia.ster  Gerieke;  14.  ("haplain  Mel/.lieinier;  15.  Auditor 
Thomas;  10.  Cliiel'Surgcim  Vorbrodt. 

Of  the  other  regiments : 

17.  Lieutenant  Burghoff,  of  the  grenadier  battalion ;  18.  Ensign 
Andrea,  of  tlie  regiment  lliedcsel ;  10.  Captain  Tliomas,  of  tlie  regi- 
ment Barner;  20.  EnsignSpeelit,  of  the  regiment  Barner;  21.  Lieu- 
tenant Bach,  of  the  Hessian  artillery. 

The  English  lieutenant  of  engineers,  Duinford,  who  was  detailed 
to  Lieutenant  Colonel  Baum,  shared,  also,  the  fate  of  the  above 
officers. 


J     I 


7 


250 


OFFn'lAL  nnCVMKSTS  RKlATfXO 


/.I'M nf  lonHcs  oft/ii'  (/irmiiii  iliiai'hmritt,  iinih-r  fji'iitfiidiit  Colond  Ihnim 
ihiriiKj  thr  iijff'iiir  linir  St.  Cojik',  mi  tlu'  1(1///  Anijitut,  17*7. 


C'om|io»ltlim  of  Ihn  corpn. 


Kiroillvu 
c'omlitlim, 


Kllleil. 


nrcMiulicrlinllnlloii fn  gi  t.'i '^il'  I 

l,t.  Imlliilliiii  Vim  lliirni'r,  II  «'  III -^10   1 
llcHHi' llitiiiui  iirlllliTy, .  ..I   li  'i     I  IS! 


Toliil llMlMlsniM4l  8 


v.. 
1  '' 


sL, 


Woiimru. 


MIhkIiik. 
8  ? 


g  g  i  s  «  s  i  i 


1    ft      8!)   4 
4    »[  1  4N    1 

i    1      I  8| 


4    8 
7i  1 


61  Hi  lIMi  6lnl  4 


Total. 


liM 


E  .ii 

Ha 


flin  :iini 


IH 


II    8'  MB 

8;     I    )t 


811  Biiin 


Offlm-»  hilled. 
C'liptiiln  V.  8<iiipk,  of  the  fiieiuulicr  biiUalion ;  Lleulcnunt  Miicli- 
li'iillcld,  of  tlif  biUliilion  nnrner. 

Won  luM  offii'crn. 
FJcutiiiiint  ColoiK'l  nreyiimnn,  Major  Von  Burner,  Ciiptaln  Von 
Oclsaii,  ("a|itaiii   Von   Glciscnbcrg,   Lieuti'iiaiit    Haiieniaiin,  all  of 
Barncr'u  Imtlalioii ;  Lk-uteniint  Hpaiigi'iilierg,  of  the  Hessian  artillery. 

Mi»»ii>(]  iiffietvs. 

Captain  Von  Dartlin,  Lieutenant  Oeliliaidt,  Lieutenant  Meyer, 
Lieutenant  Von  Annieres,  all  of  the  greniulier  liattalion  ;  Ensign 
Uageinanii,  of  tliu  battalion  Harner. 

Thus  the  corps  numbered,  after  the  eiigagenicnt,  only,  9  olllccrs, 
32  noneoniinissioned  olHcers,  20  luusieiaiis  and  iJ.'JO  privates. 


ACCOUNT  OF  TIIK  AFFAIR  NEAR  \VAl,I,ORM-KOUK,  AUCilST  1(1,  1T77, 
IIY  LIEL'TENANT  COLONEL  BUEYMANN. 

At  eight  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  ISth  of  August,  I  received 
orders  from  his  excellency.  General  IJurgoyne,  by  his  adjutant  Cap- 
tain Clark,  to  start  at  once  witii  the  corps,  consisting  of  the  company 
of  yiigers,  a  liattalion  of  chasseurs  and  grenadiers  and  two  cannon, 
and  rcenforce  the  corjis  of  Lieutenant  (Viloiicl  Raum.  I  started, 
therefore,  at  It  o'clock;  and  there  not  being  any  teams,  I  had  two 
amiiiunitioii  boxes  placed  upon  the  artillery  wagons.  Each  soldier 
carried  with  him  forty  cartridges.  The  crossing  of  the  Hattenkill 
consumed  considerable  time,  for  the  men  luul  .ill  to  wade  through 


^ 


TO  uK\.  iiiFitEsKi.n  r.\.\ti:i/ii.\. 


257 


till' wiitcr.  'I'lii'  i;i'i'iit  niiiiilM'r  of  IiIIIh,  ihi'  liiitidiuli'ss  rniiils,  and  a 
Hcvi'i'c  iiMil  coMlliniiiiis  mill,  iiiiidf  till'  iiiai'i'li  !*»  Icilioiis  iliat  I  cdiilil 
scarcely  make  oiic-lialt'  <»!'  an  Kiiu'lisli  mile  an  liimr.  The  eaiiiiniiH 
ami  llie  aiiiiiiimlliini  \vai;iiiis  hail  to  lie  ilrawii  up  hill  one  atlei'  the 
othei'.  All  this,  of  eoiirse,  im|ieileil  iiiir  iiiareh  verv  liiiieh  ;  anil  I 
was  iiiialile  III  Imsjeii  it  iiotwithslaiiilin^  all  of  m.v  enileavol's.  'I'he 
eartx  liiaded  with  aiiimnnition  ii|iset,  iiiid  it  cMiised  eonsidei'alile 
Iroiihle  to  riLtht  them. 

To  this,  also,  was  added  anolher  ditlleidly.  The  uMide,  whom  wo 
hud,  lost  the  way  and  could  not  lind  il  ai:;ain.  At  last,  .Major  liiirner 
fiiiind  a  man  who  put  ns  hack  on  the  rii;lit  path. 

All  these  unexpected  mishaps  prevented  me  tVom  marchiiiir  on  the 
enemy  on  the  15th,  as  far  asCamliridLre,  and,  I,  therefore,  found  myself 
(ihlii;i'd  to  encamp  seven  miles  this  >iile  of  that  place. 

liefore  reaching;  that  place,  however,  I  wrote  to  Liiuteuaiil  Colonel 
Hauin  notityiiii;  him  of  my  arri\  al,  and  suit  Meuleuant  llai;i'inaun 
witli  the  dispatcli.  Lieutenant  Colonel  liaum  received  this  note  ut 
eleven  o'clock  at  nijfht ;  and  I  received  his  answer  on  the  followini; 
morning. 

Karly  on  the  mornimr  of  (he  Kith,  1  set  out,  hut  the  artillery  horses 
being  very  weak,  in  coiise(|uence  of  their  not  having  lieeii  fed,  the 
inarch  progressed  very  slowly. 

Major  liarner  was  ohliged  to  go  ahead  with  the  advance  guard  in 
order  to  procure  horses  and  carts.  These  reached  us  liefore  noon, 
mid  we  at  once  made  use  of  them.  The  march  was  then  continued 
with  as  much  haste  as  possilile  lieyond  Camhridge,  where  1  was 
forced  to  halt  half  an  hour  to  collect  the  columns. 

Toward  two  in  the  afternoon,  Colonel  Skeeiie  sent  two  men  to  me 
with  the  request  that  1  would  delach  one  ollicer  and  twenty  men  to 
occupy  the  mill  at  St.  Coyk,  as  the  rehels  showed  signs  of  advancing 
on  it.  Instead  of  sending  these  men  as  he  desired,  I  dispatched 
Captain  (Jleiseiiherg  ahead  with  the  advance  guard,  consisting  of 
sl.xly  grenadiers  and  cliasseur.s  and  twenty  yagers.  I  followed  as 
quickly  as  possihle  with  the  rest.  Some  of  the  ammunition  carls 
again  hroke  down  on  the  road. 

I  reached  the  mill  at  St.  Coyk  at  half-past  four  o'clock  in  tlie  al\er- 
noon,  and  found  the  advance  guard,  which  had  heen  sent  (m  ahead, 
in  that  [ilace  undisinrlied.  1  candidly  confess,  that  I  did  not  hear  a 
cannon  or  a  mnskut  shot  either  while  on  the  march  or  in  the  mill. 

Colonel  Skeene  was  also  at  the  mill,  lie  informed  me  that  the 
corps  of  Colonel  Hauin  was  only  two  miles  distant.  I  supposed, 
therefore,  that  1  could  not  do  better  than  to  hasten  to  meet  it.  Colo- 
nel Skeene  was  of  thi'  same  opinion,  and  we  holh  marched  over  the 


258 


OFFICIAL  nm  niEXTS  liELATIXG 


liridgc  ill  order  to  iciicli  llic  ;'iiiiip  of  IJiuiin,  being  as  yet  unaware 
tlinl  iiis  lute  was  already  sealed.  II'  Colonel  Skeene  was  ae(|iiailited 
with  thai  fact  at  this  lime,  ihi'U  I  eannol  imagine  what  eould  liave 
iudueed  him  to  keep  it  from  me;  lor,  in  such  a  easi',  1  eerlainly 
would  not  have  risked  an  enjiairenient. 

I  was*  scarcely  (iOO  paees  from  the  bridge  when  I  noticed  throtigb 
the  woods  a  considerable  nundier  olariiied  men  (some  of  whom  wore 
blouses  and  some  jackets),  hastening  toward  an  einineiice  on  my  lell 
Hank.  I  called  Colonel  Skeene's  altenlion  to  il,  and  ri'ceived  from 
'liiM  the  reply,  that  these  men  were  royalist .•!.  Hut  upon  his  riding 
up  lov.ard  them  and  calliiig  to  them,  the  inatter  was  soon  explained, 
for  instead  of  returning  an  answer,  they  fired  upon  us.  I,  thereupon 
ordere(l  the  battalion  Earner  to  move  toward  the  height,  while  the 
yiigers  and  grenadiers  advanced  on  the  right.  Tiie  engagement  now 
commenced,  and  lasted  until  nearly  eight  o'clock. 

The  cannon  were  posted  on  a  roail  where  there  was  a  log  house. 
This  we  tired  upon  as  it  was  occupied  by  the  rebels.  This  drove 
them  out,  and  we  then  repulsed  them  on  all  sides,  and  this  too,  not- 
withstaniling  they  received  reeid'ircements. 

The  troops  did  their  duty,  and  I  know  of  no  one  who  doubts  this 
fact.  Alter  our  ammunition  was  all  expended,  and  the  artillery  in 
conse(|uence  ceased  tiring,  nothing  was  more  n.atural  than  to  suppose 
that  the  .■nciny  wiadd  be  encouraged  to  renew  liis  attack.  I'nder 
this  supp  )sition  1  hastened,  with  a  number  of  men,  to  the  eaimon  in 
order  to  lake  theiii  away.  Hy  this  movement  most  of  my  men  were 
severely  wounded.  The  horses  either  were  dead  .ir  in  a  condition 
ivbich  prevented  them  moving  from  the  si.ot.  In  order,  therefore, 
not  to  risk  anything  (as  I  was  unable  t  return  the  enemy's  lire,  my 
amnuunlion  being  exhiuisted),  I  relrealed  on  the  approach  of  dark- 
ness, destri>yed  the  briilgi',  laid  as  many  ol'  the  wounded  as  possilile 
broiijilil  thither  that  they  might  not  be  cai>tured,  and,  alter  a  lajise 
of  hall  an  hour  in  company  with  CoUaiel  Skeene,  pursued  my  march 
and  reachi'd  Camhridge  toward  twelve  o'clock  at  night.  Here,  alter 
taking  precanlionary  measures,  I  remained  durinu'  that  night,  and 
inarched  thence  at  daybreak  of  the  ITlli  of  August  to  the  camp. 

This  is  all  that  I  am  able  to  report  concerning  the  atl'air  of  the  lliili 
of  August.  The  loss  of  the  two  cannon  pains  ine  most.  I  did  my 
best  to  save  them,  but  the  above  named  circuinstances  and  the  want 
of  animunili(m  rendc^red  it  iinpossible  to  retake  tliein  from  under  the 
tire  of  the  enemy's  muskets,  although  I  wouUl  willingly  have  done  it 
even  at  the  loss  of  my  life. 

Your  most  obedient. 

In  camp  i>t  Saratoga,  August  20,  1777.  niii':vM.\NN. 


Jn  i!K.\.  i!ih:i)t:sKi;s  campmhs. 


259 


I.KTTICU  OK  Hn{(i()VNKS  AD.II  TANT  TO  MKITESANT  COLoNKI, 
HltKYMANN. 

Hii^lil  II(.ii.>ral)l('  Sir,  liiglily  ivspuclcd  Li.'iilcnanl  Colonel:  Ociic- 
lal  niirifoyiic  has  himself  written  a  letter  to  yon  this  forenoon,  and 
he  has  direeled  me  jnst  now  to  addres.>'  you  a  few  liius  li.  say  that  in 
fonse(|Meiiee  of  the  ijood  news,  he  lias  this  moment  received,  from 
Meulenanl  Colonel  Uanm,  he  would  he  very  f,'lad —  providing  there 
he  not  loo  mueh  risi;  —if  his  desi,i.ii  in  re.iranl  to  the  expedition  eonld 
l)e  carried  ont.  11  ,  isowever,  leaves  it  to  yourself  and  vour  talents 
to  do  that  which  yo;.  consider  lies'. 

The  ji-eneral   requests  that  as  soon  as  circumstances  will  safelv 
permit  ii,  you  will  send  to  the  army  the  horses,  cattle,  etc.,  which 
you  can  spare,  and  which  have  heen  cajitured  from  the  enemy. 
1  have  the  honor  to  he  with  hijrli  esteem, 
Sir, yonr  oliedieut  servant, 

FliANClS  CaHI{  Cl.AllKK. 

T    .,  Aid  de  camp. 

In  the  servu'c  ot  the  kmir. 

To  .Mr.  iJreymanu,  Mi'ulenani  Colonel  and  comm-mder 
of  the  reserve  of  the  letl  wing  of  the  urniy. 


.* 
% 


LKTTKKOI.'  .JfSTIl-lr.VI'IOX  OK  (iKNi;iiAL  l{I|.:i)KS|.;i,  IN  KllO  Mil)  To 
TIIK  KN(iA(;K.MKNT  NKAK  lii;.\NI.\(n-O.V.  ().\  Till-:  ir,TII  OK  \t  (it>T 
1TT7,  TO  DLKK;  CIIAKIJvS  WILLIAM  KKKDINANm  OK  HIU  .NSWICK. 

Ni;w  VoitK  Isr.A.M),  .S/)/, ////«/•:!,  iTHt). 
Captain   Cleve,  upon   his  return    from    (iernianv  to   .\<'w    Vork, 
iulonued   me    lh:il    there  is  still  a  doulit   in  llie  pulilic  i.:Mid  as  l.i 
whether  I  was  not  the  author  of  the  atl'air  near  Hennington.     'I'his, 
also,  seems  the  more  reasonahle,  since  (Jeneral   l5urj:oyne,  in  his  last! 
letter  of  Justilic;i!ion,  piililishecl  under  the  title  of   77,,    Slut,   of  the 
KviM'ilitioti,  seeks  lo  persuade  the  world  ihat  I  iiol,  only  proposed  the 
plan  of  the  expedition   hut  even  drew  up  the  order  fir  its  execution 
for  l.iculeiiaut  Colonel  IJamn.     1  consider  myself  iherelbre,  in  dutv 
lionml  to  throw  slill  more  liuhi  upon  this  snliject,  and  endeavor  to 
explain  it  a  secoml  lime.     Tliis  siej)  on  my  part,  moreover,  -.cems  lo 
i..e  the  more  necessarv,  since  many  persons  try  lo  make  out  llial  llii- 
unsuccessful  expediiion  was  the  source  of  all  ihe  misforUines  wluch 
have  lielidleii  the  northern  army,  and  consider  all  Ihe  misha|>s  near 
Sarato.na  as  the  natural  consiMpwuce  of  it.     If  ihis  is  true,  then  am  1 
more  guilty  than  iik  who  commanded  the  uoithern  army  up  to  Ihe 
time  of  the  convention,  or  m.;   who  lirsl   planned  the  ca'mpai';ii  of 
1  iTT. 


1 


>.m 


OFFICIM.  DOfVMKSTS  ItKI.ATlSG 


Tlic  inclosed  (loi'iniicnt  miirkcil  A,  was  my  plan.  I  was  in(l\i(cil 
li>  make  il  (in  accoinil  of  Ihi^  sad  silnalioii  in  wiiicli  I  tonnd  ni\si'M 
lilaccd  wliilc  in  my  fiinip  at  Castli'town,  where  lenls,  provisiiins  anil 
oIIht  necessaries  jiad  to  l)e  carried  on  llie  backs  of  tlie  soldiers  from 
a  di>l.in(e  of  nine  miles,  and  where  Ihe  entire  reyion  ronnd  al)ont 
alionnded  with  hoise.-,  .vhi(  li  were  nsed  liy  the  inhaliilant^,  lor  no 
other  pnrposo  than  to  come  in  the  morning  to  take  the  oath  of 
allegiance  to  liic  king,  and  return  again  in  the  evening  to  the  com- 
manding olliccrs  of  the  enemy  and  relate  everything  they  had  seen 
in  my  cam|i. 

Xo  person,  in  reading  this  document,  can  dis<'over  the  idea  ad- 
vanced, that  this  cori)s  were  to  engage  the  enemy.  On  the  contrary, 
it  is  asserted  that  the  direction  of  the  nnirch  was  at  such  a  distance 
from  Allmiiy,  that  the  whole  thing  could  have  bucn  carried  out  and 
the  lilow  struck  l>efore  the  enemy  could  have  even  liegnn  l"  suspect 
anytliiug  in  icgard  to  this  excursion. 

There  is  an  interval  lieiweeu  tin'  date  of  this  document  and  the 
linn'of  th'"  giving  of  tlie  order  to  Lieutenant  Colonel  ISatim.  during 
which  the  condilitai  of  the  army  had  materially  chang'  '  Tiie 
(|Uesli(in,  Iheiefore,  arises,  was  Ihe  time  when  the  order  '.  i-  -i,  ll 
as  favnralile  as  \\  w,is  when  the  |)lan  was  made  V 

(iem'ral  Ihirgoyne,  himself,  in  his  v'.^  nf  tlif  Kfjuditiini,  \m)\v» 
exactly  the  contrary,  lie  slates  that  the  American  troops,  who  at- 
tacked Lieutenant  Colonel  Haum  m'ar  i!''nnington,  were  those  who 
c;ime  from  M:issacliiisetls  liay  to  rccnfo-.ce  liie  hot  tile  army  at  Albany. 
I5ui  llie  idiinliy  w;is,  liy  llial  lime,  ah'iady  in  arms,  unil  ihe  plaii 
rendered  more  dillii 'dl  to  he  carried  <iul  Ihaii  when  1  piopos<'d  tlie 
plan. 

Since  (iemr.il  liuigoyui'  passes  over  in  silence  Ijiose  transactions 
wJMih  look  place  lietween  him  and  me  in  regard  to  the  expedition 
during  this  interval,  1  am  forced  lo  relale  them  in  this  place.  As 
they  were  only  oral  1  can  liul  give  my  word  of  honor  for  tin  ir  Iruth- 
fllllless. 

On  the  ;!lst  of  ,Iuly,  1  weiil  from  Foil  .\niie  to  Fori  F.dward  for 
Ihe  purpose  <if  sei'iim'  (oiieral  Hiirgoyne.  As  >oon  as  he  pevceivcd 
me,  he  took  me  one  side,  Ihanked  me  for  tlic  memoir,  whicli  1  had 
sent  him  from  Skeensliorough,  ji'id  excused  himself  tor  not  having 
answered  it,  giving  as  an  excuse  thai  the  time  for  its  execution  had 
not  yet  arrived. 

I  modestly  answered,  I  hat  matters  had  somewhat  changed,  hut 
Dial  I  IlKMight  if  Lieulenaiil  Colonel  liaum  w("dd  go  in  Ihesame 
direction  as  was  laid  down  in  the  plan,  anil  if  .another  corps  would 
endeavor  to  drive  Colonel  Winner  fnan  .Manchester,  ami  thus  cinise  a 


TO  (IKS.  IllKUKSEI.S  tAM/'.\/ii\. 


261 


diversion  in  Unit  (liniiion.  it  wonld  still  nut  lie  iniimssililc  to  li.ivi' 
the  nndcrtaking  carried  out  with  success. 

His  answer  to  this  was  as  follows:  "  1  do  not  think  it  necessaiy  to 
Hcnd  Lieutenant  t'olonel  Hauni  so  I'ar  liack.  Warner,  accordiii}!  to  news 
I  have  received,  has  tidlen  hack  fi-oni  Manchesler  to  J'ennin^iton  ;  and, 
it' Hauin  takes  such  a  circuitous  rmit,  he  ( ,:niiot  return  in  season,  and 
I  c.innot  poslpoiu'  my  intended  advaiu'c  until  his  arrival." 

I,  Ihereuiion,  took  the  liherty  to  rcnnirkthat  it  oiisrht  to  lie  decided 
whelher  Hainn  should  take  horses,  o.xcn,  etc.,  or  should  tijrht  the 
enemy;  that  the  (lu'my  woidd  certainly  send  a  detachment  asrainst 
him  from  Allmny,  and  thus  the  jthtn  mii;ht  lie  frustrated;  hul  that  if 
liaum  should  oiler  Iwltle  to  the  enemy,  or  assume  the  oll'ensivc! 
ai^ainsl  Warner,  I  would  have  nothing  to  say  aijainst  it.' 

Upon  this,  General  Huriroyne,  with  a  tialterin.;;  mien  lapped  mc 
upon  my  epaulelte,  anil  said  :  "  My  friend,  I  intend  to  kill  two  tlies 
with  one  lilow.  I  am  informed  that  Lieutenant  Colonel  St.  Leuer  is 
l)eforc  Fort  Stanwix  and  is  he;  i  "/wji  it.  Since  it  is  impossilile  for 
me  to  advance,  on  account  ofwii.it  of  provisions,  I  desitjn  Lieutenanl 
(Jolonel  'Jaum's  inarch  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  enemy  to  his 
riirht  wiiii;-,  and  thus  prevent  him  from  seiidini;  siiiior  to  Fori 
Slanwix.  " 

This  answer  from  my  cominandinjr  general,  as  a  nnitter  of  course, 
prevented  me  from  replyinu',  and  thus  the  conversation  <'nileil. 

On  the 'id  of  Aiiiriisl,  I  well!  into  camp  at  Fort  Ivlward  wiih  the 
left  wiiiir.  1  poll  11  port  ill  i;  myself  to  (ieiieral  Hurnoyiic,  lie  laid 
before  ine  orally  liis  ideas  of  the  inanner  in  wliii  h  Itaiini  should  carry 
out  his  expedition,  at  the  .aine  lime  rccpicslinf;  ine  to  draw  uj)  an 
order  and  lay  it  liefore  him  for  revision.  This  document  i<  here 
inclosed,  marked  IJ.'  In  spenkinir  (<f  this  onler  in  the  lower  house, 
•Major  fviiiirston  said  it  contains  the  -eiiliments  of  (ieneral  Uiedi  ~(l. 
(ieneral  liiiru:oyne  also(|iioles  it  in  his  Irealise  on  half  ofa  page,  wilh 
his  remarks  opposilc,  uildrr  the  title  of ///.i  iiim  ihIhk  ntK. 


'  TIlis  is  I  ho  n'»illii!.'ot'llii-  -I'litiiK  !■  in  tlio  (iiiiiiiin  lex  I.  Ii>  niiollicr  (trail.  bo-A'- 
rvi'r.  ill'  IliU  I'llliii'  U'lli'i  wrillrii  nv  Uirdc-i'l  in  l'"rcmli  anil  >i'.'ni'il  liy  lilin.  wliirh  f 
liiiiiMii'i'il  in  llri'iniin.v  anil  wlii'li  i- imw  lii'l'orr  iim'.  Ilu' ri'aiMni,'  wliirh  i- sjiiiliiiy 
illllrri'iil.  if  111' rulliiH-i :  '■  Thrii'ii|iiin.  1  iniik  Ihr  lilii'i'ly  In  ri'|il\  as  Inllinvs:  that 
il  iMi^'hl  111  111' ili'IrnniiK'ii  whrllii'i'  llaiini  -hunlil  inaki' an  I'Miirsiiin  in  llii'  virinlly 
liir  liir  iiiir|iiisr  111'  liikiin;  I'nnn  llir  inlialiilanis  Ihrir  hiii'sr».  ii.vi'ii  anil  Iranis.  iir 
wliiMlii'i-  lir  shimlil  ^'ivr  liallli'  In  llir  ini'iiiv  ;  that,  ill  111.- Ilivi  rasi'  iwliiih  »«h 
always  my  iili'ai,  I  lirlii-\r  ihi'  inanli  In  Manrlu-li  r  wnnlil  lii>  Inn  I'ar;  Ihar  llin 
I'lii'iny  wniilil.  wilhnnl  ilmilil.  ilrlaih  Irnin  Alliany  a  <'iii'|i>  ai.'ain-'l  hiiii.  anil  tliiis 
lii'l'i'al  his  ilrsii;ii  :  liiil  llial  il'  Itanni  assninril  llir  nll'i'iisivr  au'ain~l  Wiiiiiri'.  that  I 
wniililsiiy  nnlhiim' iiL'aiiisI  il.  "      'J'niiisliitor. 

'■I  .Max  Van  Ki'ikiii^' in  a  nnli' in  tlir  nriiiinal.  slati's  thai  ■  tliis  ilnninn  iit  iiiiinnt 
bufimiKl.  "     I  am.  Iiuhi'mt,  llif  L'liilty  laiisi'  nl'  lii-  not  limliii::  il.  as  I  nijsiiriniinil 


2(>2  OFFJCIAL  00(  rVAWJS  IthLATJXG 

I  ciimiot  deny  llmt  I  Wiis  the  otic  wlio  wrolctliis  order,  in  tlic  same 
wuj',  Cor  instaiicf,  as  an  ailjutaiit  writes  llic  order  of  Ids  general;  l)ut 

it  when  ill  Ocriiiany.  and,  willi  llu'  i)cniii>>ion  of  its  uwiior,  carried  it  witli  me  to 
Anicrlcu.    It  Ix  lunv  lii'l'uri'  iiiu.  and  ri'iiils  an  I'ollnws  ; 

•B. 

"  Slatetiitnt n/  liis/riidUmn girfii  to  LI'Uleiiantt'(jloiu'l Ilaum/oi/iiK  (•'niilumt  in  the 
Kj/xilitioii  timt  lie  /»■  lo  minmiiinl. 

"  Tlu'  di>!«n  iif  lliis  cxpiMliliDii  is  Id  siiiiiid  ilir  fintiinrnlH  of  lli«  lnlial)ilanti<,  to 
niDUiil  tlic  ri'i.'iini  111  nl'  (liairdnns.  and  In  Inniisli  ilic  amy  with  liorsci*,  oxen  ami 
IvainH.  Ciilciui'l  llaiiin  is  lo  lalir  llic  roiili'  lo  Arliim'loii.  Main  licslir  and  Itocliln^'- 
liani.  nialiin;.' 11  hail  al  eacli  of  llnii'i'  plai'i's,  and  frinn  Manclii'i-lcT  lie  is  lo  send 
detailinienis  of  savai,'es  ami  provincials  to  the  head  of  the  C'onnecllcnt  river,  cveii 
as  far  as  No.  Four. 

'■  Kroin  Mandiesler,  he  will  eonlimie  liis  ronl<' as  far  as  Itockinjfham,  where  ho 
will  |iosi  lilniself. 

'■  Till'  lienlenant  colonel,  with  Ids  reiridar  iroops.  is  noi  to  puss  lievond  liocliin^'- 
iiain.  lie  is  lo  talie  lip  in  that  place  Hie  niiisl  udvantaL'eons  position.  .Ml  the 
o.\en,  horses  and  teams  are  to  lie  sent  to  the  army  liy  tin'  provincials  well  escorted. 
After  llie  desi;:!!  of  the  eNpedlilon  has  lii'eii  aci'Oiiiplislied.  h>' will  laki'  the  most 
direct  road,  liy  way  of  Uralllelniry.  lo  .\lliany,  lo  join  ihe  main  liody  of  the  army  at 
that  place. 

■'  .\l  every  place  tliroiiLdi  whicli  he  passes,  he  is  to  make  Ihe  ir.lialiitanls  lielieve 
that  Ihe  corps,  which  he  commands,  is  Hir  advance  ;;iiard  of  Ihe  army  whicli  is  on 
its  way  to  lloston.  and  which  is  lo  lie  joined  al  Spriiijilield  by  a  liody  of  troops 
from  liliode  island. 

'•  In  ease  that  the  inaiii  army  lias  ndt  arrived  in  .\lliany  by  the  lime  llial  the  lieu- 
•  tiMianl  <(ilonel  has  accoiii|ilislied  his  oliji'ct.  (leiieral  liiiivoyiie  w  ill  i.'ive  him  ad'  ice, 
and  recall  him  lo  Hie  army  when  he  will  irive  him  and  his  corps  amilher  route. 

"  'I'lic  lienlenant  colonel  will  irive  from  lime  lo  lime  inlelliuenci'  of  his  position, 
and  u'lial  he  has  aceomplislied. 

"  In  I'aseof  the  enemy  comlilnlin.'  auaiiisl  l.ienlnnant  Colcniel  Haiiiii  In  loo  u'real 
force,  (ieiieral  lliiru'oyiie  will  mil  fall  lo  send  linn  llie  most  pmmpl  succor,  and  vill 
make  such  a  movemeiil  thai  the  enemy  will  liiid  himself  lielwcen  iwo  llres. 

■•  Von. A.  in  general  tin' nature  of  the  inslrm'lioiis  jjiveii  to  l.ieiileiianl  rolonel 
Haiini.  The  ehaiii.'c  aflerward  made  in  his  ronle,  was  caused  hy  the  report  of 
Colonel  Skeeiie  who  L-ave  l!iir;.'oyiie  infornialion  lo  Ihe  elVeel  that  the  ciicniy  had  a 
very  lari;e  inaL'a/'ine  of  siipplie- al  lleiiniiiL'lon.  and  that  it  wiiiild  lie  u  very  easy 
nialler  to  siirprisi'  and  caplnie  ii, 

"  l.ieiileiianl  Colonel  Ilaiini  was  sent  from  his  caiii|ial  llie  ilalli'iikill  on  the  rii,'ht 
Inward  lleniiin^'ton. 

'■  'I'lie  ri'liels  liavlii;;  sent  laiL'e  reeiiforeeiiienls  to  thai  place,  the  lienlenant 
colonel  WIS  not  alile  (wilh  liis  small  niinilu'ri.  to  resist  Ihe  ellbrts  of  an  enemy  who 
had.  at  h'asl,  ten  tl-nes  his  force.  The  nilsforlnnes  which  resnited  are  only  too 
well  known. 

'■  Xniiihiidf  Troiiii»  irlio  iciiv  iiii/i/iii/ii/  iijum  t/iif,  h'.ijiidil/on. 

Mkn. 

HeL'imenl  of  dmpoons, aK) 

Indians lim 

The  corps  of  IVters i,-,i) 

Provincial  and  Canadian  volunteers .W 

t  'oinpany  of  Kra/.er M 

Total, m\ 


r 


ID  (,h:\.  ItlKDESEL'N  (AM i:\ia \. 


2»;;j 


Hint  llu-y  were  not  my  own  scniinicnts  is  piovi'd  l.v  ilic  memoir 
wliicli  I  hiivc  iilrciiily  iilliulcl  lo.' 

I  liandcdtlic  oi(i<T,  drawn  up  in  tliis  manner,  loOeneral  Hur.uoyne. 
He  Jiiil  it  in  his  pocket  and  said  lie  would  read  it  and  tlien  tail<  t(>  me 
more  aliout  it.  On  the  next  iliiy,  he  eame  to  my  lent  and  l>rou.i;hl 
me  the  skoteii  a,!,'inn  witli  tiie  added  idieralioiis,  wliieh  are  llie  same 
that  lie  ealls  /ii.i<nii<ii(/iii,i,f  in  his  Trailv.'<:'  This  order  was  corrected 
111  accordimce  with  his  amendments,  and  (Jencral  Hiirtroync  received 
an  Kiiirlish  translation  Ihereof,  while  Lieutenant  Colonel  Haum  re- 
ceived the  oriirinal;  .mdthis  is  all  1  had  to  do  with  the  whole  matter. 
Tliere  were  a  jrreat  many  dillieulties  coniiecicd  with  the  ciinyiiii,' 
out  of  the  expedition  ;  it  was  not  easy  to  procure  the  renui-iic  «,ii.,ta 
from  tlie  corps  of  Mri^'adier  Fra/.er;  the  Indians  couMiiot  he  induced 
to  march;  and  horses  were  needed  tor  the  transportation  of  the 
necessary  articles.     Thus  a  few  more  days  passed  away. 

Meanwhile,  (ieneral  IJuivoyuc  heard  of  the  uiaira/ine  at  ]5eimiim-- 
ton.  Thereupon  he  rode  himself  int  the  camp  of  Lieulenaiit  I'olonel 
Haum,  and  .i^ave  him  the  oral  order  not  to  march  to  .Manchester,  hut 
direct  to  IJennin.uton.  AVilh  lids  order  IJaiuii  marched  at  once  with- 
out my  seeiiii!,-  him  av-^ain.  Then  came  llie  inistortuiic  whicli  is 
known  lo  the  world. 

1*1)011  Lieutenant  Colonel  Haum  makiiij'-  his  report  to  tlie  effect 
that  he  was  opposite  the  Haltenkill  and  wailed  lor  further  orders, 
(Jencral  Hurjroyne  sent  his  adjutant,  Clarke,  to  nw  in  the  niirhl,  and 
retiuested  me  lo  order  Lieutenanl  Colonel  Hreymanii  to  march  at 
once  to  the  relief  of  ('(doncl  Mauiij,  I  replied,  I'hiil  I  coiisidiMi'd  the 
situation  of  the  latter  as  very  danu'enms,  anil  thai  I  lliouirhl  it  much 
more  advi.sahU  to  order  him  hack  aiiain  half  way  to  meet  Hreymaiin, 
when  he  could  act  as  circniustaiices  iniiiiht  dictate.  In  truth,  I  did 
not  like  to  have  anythin.ir  to  do  with  the  matter,  .uid,  iherelhre,  scut 
Captain  (Jerlach  lo  (Jeneral  HuiL'-yne  in  cn'der  lliai  the  ne(i>s.iry 
orders  might  he  carrii  rl  din  nly  troni  that  ■icncr.d  to  Hreyinami. 

"Tlicsodiircront  fiiri»  not  ln'iiiu'  MUticiiiill.v  flniiii.'.  (iciii'nii  liiidvMladiloil  in  It 
•i'i  dia-sciirs  and  7.")  other  iJi  rman  Mildi.i-. 

„,,         ,  "  HlKDKSKL.""  , 

llu'  al)()vo  IS  the  (li)cmiiiiil  (ir  ii  H<  r  It  rrlcn-i'd  to  l,y  Hicdi  ><■].  as  iK'hji,'  in- 
closed ill  his  letter  to  Diili,' Charles.  WritiiiL'  from  memory.  Hiidesel  was  only 
abl-  to  irjve  an  ahslraet  of  it  The  one  in  the  Sl„l,  „f  thr  h:'.,-,,,,l\nim  is  riijlrr.  and 
on  aeeoiinl  olils  iin|iorlanee  i-  eopied  into  this  \oliiine.—  TidiiKtitlnr. 

'  In  the  ori^'inal  dnil'l  in   Kr. mdi.  to  whieh  1  have  alluded  in  a  nole  or  two  liaelj 
the  expression  is  even  stronij:er.     It  reads,  ■■  l.iii  |  proti'si  that  lliey  wi'r.'  nevi-rniy 
own  idiwis  :  indeed,  Ihu  olyeetions  1  had  made  hefore.   [irove-   the  eontrarv.'"— 
Truiulalor. 
''  I.  ('.,  The  Utah  iijthe  Krin-<(itiuii.     TranshUur. 


204 


OFFICIAL  hOClMFSrs  ItFLATIXO 


This  is  nil  tliiit  I  Inul  to  do  with  this  Hciiiiin^lon  cxiicdition ;  and 
I  now  leave  it  to  i.ny  niililaiy  man  if  I  can  with  trnh  lie  called  the 
author  of  this  expedition.' 


'  fn  tim  French  dmfl  of  tliix  li'llcv,  the  lii»t  piiriiKriipliH  iiic  miicli  mure  In  di'lnil ; 
mill  I  am  iiulimd  In  liclicvc  tin-  nmst  liiihlworljiy,  IViiin  the  liut  Hint  my  rcipy  dlio 
Kii'nili  (Inil'li.  !•'  si:.'n(cl  liy  Kicdcsi'l  liimscll',  wlicriaM  tlu'oui'  in  llii'  text  liiiM  no 
Kiirnalnrc.  Il(  u'lnnin;:  at  llic  |iarai:ra|ili  whUli  ciimnirnirH  witli  llu'  hchIiihc, 
'•  nu'anwliilc.  (Jiiicral  Itiirj,'(iynr  heard  ul'  the  niafiazine  at  lieiinington,"  etc.,  Ilio 
l''reneli  dral't  reads  as  lollowx  : 

•■  MranwlilU',  (iineral  liuraoyne  was  told  hy  n  rerlalii  prorinilal  captain,  named 
Slierwood.  Unit  liic  enemy  iiad  esialilislied  aeonsideralile  nni^razine  at  Hcnnini;ton 
widcli  was  very  ponrly  Oii-'lilly,  hi/i'ii  iiKiih  ^'uarded.  Sednced  liy  tills  news,  which 
Captain  Siicrwood  said  liad  l)cen  Intnnaled  to  iiim  liy  Colonel  Skeene.  (ieneral 
ltnr;,'oyiie  rode  on  horsclmcli  Into  the  camp  of  LienlenanI  Colomi  Uanni,  and  ;.'avo 
liim  verlially  liie  order  not  to  ^;o  to  Manchester.  Imt  to  marcli  directly  for  Iteiinlni;- 
lon.  Willi  tills  order.  Lieutenant  Cidonel  Haiim  set  out  i>ii  Ids  inaicli,  witliout  my 
ever  seelii!.'  iiim  alter. 

"  The  misforliines  wiiicii  iiappencd  to  Idm  and  ids  corps  are  only  too  woli  i^nown 
liy  my  exact  anil  faillil'nl  ri'porls  from  .lolin's  farm. 

'•  LienlenanI  Colonel  Itaiim  aiilieipaliiiij  very  soon  a  sorions  resislame  from  liio 
enemy  did  not  tail  to  make  a  re;,'iiiar  re|iiirl  of  this  lo  (ienerai  lliir:;iiyne.  lie  lolil 
hini  llial  .'.IKKIiif  tile  enemy  were  assemliled  at  |{eiiiiin<;lon.  and  iie  prayed  liini  to 
reinforce  him.  liiat  lie  mi^dil  lie  aide  eilher  lo  sustain  ids  posiliiin,  or  allack  tiic 
eiieiiiy  at  lieiiiiiiit,'lon  aecordiiiL'  to  circumstances.  On  receiviiii;  this  report, 
(ieneral  Huru'iiyne  sent  his  aid  lie  taiiip.  Sir  Krancis  Clarke,  lo  me  in  the  lii;;ht  and 
rei|iiested  me  to  order  Lieutenant  Colonel  llreymann  immeiliately  In  reeiifiinu) 
Lieutenant  Coiiuiel  Itaiim.  and  liavin;;  nulled  with  lilm.  lie  prepared  eiliier  to 
su-lain  an  attack  froiii.  or  allack  liie  enemy.  Mv  reply  to  Sir  Krancis  Clarke  was, 
that  I  considered  liie  situation  of  Lienteiiant  Cnlnnel  liaiini  very  precarious,  and 
tiiat  my  advice  would  lie  In  order  Lienteiiant  Coiniiel  Kaiiiii  to  retire  halfway  hack 
and  join  liie  corps  of  Lieiilenani  Colonel  Itreymann.  and.  allerwards,  lo  iicf  lo- 
^'ctiier  aceiirdln;:  In  circumstances,  that,  for  tills  reason,  I  would  prefer  tiiiit 
tieiierai  HuiL'oyne  should  dispense  Willi  nie  entirely  in  lids  atlalr ;  and  lliat  I 
would  send  Caplain  (ierlach  In  (ieiieial  liuif,'oyiie  liiat  lie  luitiiit  send  liy  lilm  such 
orders  lo  Lieuleiianl  Cnlonel  Urcyniann  as  he  ini;.'ht  deem  the  most  lltlllii.'. 

'"This,  my  lord,  is  Hie  true  slalemeni  of  all  tlu'a)j:eney  I  iiad  In  lids  expedlliou 
to  lteunln),'lon  ;  and  I  leave  myself  entirely  to  the  juili;meiit  of  mllllary  comniiis- 
seurs.  to  dcterndiie  vvhetiier  tiiey  lieiicve  me  to  lie  the  aniiior  of  tiie  expedition  to 
lleniiilif^'ton. 

••  I  am,  Willi  the  lireatest  devoliiin  In  your  most  serene  iii^diiicss, 

"  Viiur  most  liunitile,  and  nliedient 

"and  faithful  servant, 
"  H." 

••  New  York  island,  tile  .'iil  Seplemiier,  l"S(l." 


' 


TO  (IKS.  niKDKHEVH  CAMIWKIK. 


205 


ClIAULES  WILLIAM  KEKDINANIJ'  TO  (iKNKHAI,  niKDKSKI,, 

HuuNKWKK,  .liniuin-!i  5,  17H1. 
Hi^'lily  Iloiiorcd  Major  General : 

'1  lie  explanations  which  your  honor  has  jiriv,.n  „„.  respeelinj;  IJen- 
ninfrton  and  Saratoga,  altiioiigh  very  valuable  to  me,  were  not 
neeessary  lor  your  juslificalion.  'V\w.  people  have  done  you  ample 
justice;  and  I,  for  my  pari,  have  not  expected  anything  else  as  1  am 
pretty  well  accpiainled  with  the  actors  in  those  events. 

Since  the  loss  of  my  father,  all  my  etforls  have  been  bent  upon  the 
reconstruction  of  this  country:  and  I  Hallcr  myself  not  entirely 
without  success.  I  hope  to  be  able  in  a  shor!  time  to  resign  the  com- 
mand of  \\w  Prussian  regiment  which  was  intrusted  to  me,  that  I 
may  devote  myself  solely  to  my  new  duties,  wlueh,  ofeoiir.se,  removes 
nie  entirely  from  nulilary  nuitters.  Your  honor  will  find  me  to  be  a 
real  country  gentleman,  living  only  for  his  farm  and  the  <'dncati()n 
of  his  children,  and  shunning  everything  that  does  not  come  within 
this  province.  It  is  really  no  small  good  fortune  to  be  able  to  escape 
from  Ibis  stormy  world.  1  feel  this,  and  know,  therefore,  how  to 
appreciate  my  good  luck.  .May  Heaven  give  you  perfect  health,  and 
l.>ring  you  l)ack  to  us  when  peace  is  linally  made.  Frii^ndshij)  and 
esteem  will  meet  you  here. 

Filled  with  such  sentiments,  I  have  the  honor  of  l)eiiig  always, 
Your  honor's 

Most  faithful  friend  and  servant. 

ClIAUI.KS  Wll.l.IAM  FkkdINA.SD, 

Duke  of  JJrunswick  and  Luneburg. 


OENERAL  UIEDESKL  To  TIIK  IIKREDITAUV  I'lilXCE. 

('.\Miti{ii)(iK,  Sfjihiiihr  13,  1778. 
Most  Illustrious  Hereditary  Prince  : 

The  war  between  the  emperor  and  his  majesty  the  king,  having 
begun  (according  lo  the  newspapers  whi<-h  are  our  only  sources  of 
ncw.s  from  Europe),  and  as  your  highness  commands  one  of  the 
strongest  corps  in  the  Prussian  army,  1  congraiulaie  you,  thereupon 


' Tlie  former  lureilitiirv  prhicc,  bill  now  lull  iliiki'  tw  hi>  liilliurV  (Iriilli.--  7V<(/,«- 
lalor. 

34 


2(56 


OFFICIAL  DOtTMENTS  KKLATIXO 


most  Inimbl}',  knowing  timt  the  wislit's  of  yonr  liighncsts  iirc  now 
fiiUilli'd.' 

Your  liiglnif'Ks  Iiiih  now  an  opportunilj'  of  once  more  sliowing  yonr 
grcal  lali'nis,  and  of  rendering  nnmy  Hcrviccs  lo  a  nioinircli,  wlio,  l>y 
liis  pulilicly  cxpressi'd  rt'gards  for  you,  lias  ri'trlioed  llii'  senlinientM  of 
the  pulilic' 

II<tw  dcliglitcd  would  1  Ik'  if  I  could  engage  in  tliis  war  under  your 
liiglniess.  I  would  gladly  be  your  very  last  adjutant.  What  a 
dill'erenee  between  a  war  there,  and  here,  where  unfavorable  territory, 
want  of  every  tiling,  and  ignorance  on  the  part  of  the  leaders  frustrate 
all  cxiM'dilions,  and  will  not  consider  the  character  of  the  people 
against  whom  we  are  lighting.  All  that  you  have  jiredicted  in  regard 
to  it  is  true,  and  has,  alas,  taken  place ;  and  I  now  see  clearly  that 
the  con(|Uering  of  this  nation  by  force  of  arms  is  and  will  be  a 
problem  which  cannot  be  solved,  unless  divisions  among  the  colonies, 
(|uarrels  with  the  French  (against  whom  they  cherish  a  great  hatred), 
want  of  resources,  and  the  policy  of  the  English  commissioners, 
solves  it. 

I  will  not  trouble  you,  who  are  now  engaged  in  such  important 
business,  with  complaints  in  regard  to  our  still  being  unexchanged, 
with  a  narration  of  the  hostile  operations  here,  nor  with  an  acco\mt  of 
the  bad  situation  in  which  the  troops  of  your  highness  tind  them- 
selves at  present.  lam  convinced  that  his  serene  highness,  the  duke, 
will  conununicate  to  you  my  reports  to  him,  in  which  I  give  every- 
thing in  detail.  I  only  desire  to  commend  myself  and  the  whole 
corps — the  conduct  of  whom  both  in  good  and  bad  fortune  has  been 
extremely  good  —  to  the  grai'ious  consideration  of  your  highness, 
and  to  i>ray  for  your  gracious  protection  in  case  we  should  need  it. 

The  public  testimonial  which  Oencral  Burgoyne  has  given  in  his 
speech  before  parliament,  and  bis  public  declaration  that  no  blame 
attaches  to  the  troops  for  the  failure  of  his  expedition,  is,  I  hoi)e,  an 
honor  to  the  troops.  If  the  period  which  is  to  decide  our  fate  was 
only  at  hand  now,  and  if  these  troops  only  had  an  opportunity  for 
avenging  the  calamity  they  have  endured,  I  should  rest  content. 

I  am,  etc., 

UiEBEsp:r,. 


'This  lt«  tlif  liaviiriiiii  hiii-,  produced  by  tlii'  Hucci'Hsioii  tii  Ihc  ttiroiic,  mid 
lasted  one  yciir.    ll  li<  jocDccly  calli'd  tlii;  I'otalo  war.    It  niiKuintcd  to  very  little. 

'■'  Kiederiek  tlio  Ureut  hud  wrltteii  an  ode  upon  the  hereditary  prlucc  ot  Uriins- 
wick. 


TO  oex.  RlEliKSElS  CAMPAION. 


267 


A  KBW  LETTRHS  AND  OKDKUS  OK  OKNKHAI.  lUrKdoYNK  T()  OENERAI, 
IlIEDESEL.  WHII.E  ON  THE  MAIUH  TO  HAHATOCiA. 

0^  THR  BoiKjuRT  HiVEU,  June  24,  1777. 
My  Dear  Ociieriil : 

It  is  my  iiitenlioii  to  huv«  llic  iirmy  umrcli  from  hero  to  Crown 
point  in  making  a  movement,  which  will  allow  a  rest  of  two  or  three 
hours  (m  the  march. 

You  will,  therefore,  Imve  the  goo(lne.s.s  to  see  that  the  Iroop.s  take 
(lown  the  tents  (if  the  weather  will  permit  it),  an<l  endeavor  to  reaeh 
(..rown  point  hefore  two  o'eloek  to-morrow.  Hut  in  case  there 
slu)ul(l  be  too  much  win  1  for  the  enemy  to  cross  ut  the  proper 
moment,  you  will  r  .main  until  n  more  favorable  oi)portiinity,  takinir 
care,  however,  not  to  arrive  in  tiie  night. 
I  have  the  honor  with  respect,  and  (esteem,  to  sign  myself. 

Your  most  faithful  anil  obedient  servant, 

J.  UuiuJovNi;. 


lo  yfiijor  acneml  Von  Rieikml. 

In  Camp  neak  Ticondeiiooa,  .Mji  1,  1777. 

I  beg  you  to  order  the  reserve  corps  of  the  left  wing  to  remain  in 
the  woods  during  the  day;  but  on  the  approach  ol  ni^ht,  to  occupy 
the  hou.se  in  front  of  them  on  tiie  clearing  near  the  river  witii  a  cap- 
tain and  u  i)ropor(ionate  detachm.nt.  The  yiigers  will  advance,  and 
the  po.stof  the  captain  will  serve  as  a  supporl,  while  the  troops  of 
Lieutenant  Colonel  lireyinann  will  be  on  the  left  wing  of  its  position. 

The  reserve  (^orps  will  be  supported  by  the  fire  from  the  ships  in 
case  of  an  attack.  You  will,  also,  jileas.'  embark  the  left  wing,  in 
order  to  support  it  in  case  the  engagement  proves  a  severe  one.  "  ' 

I  have  the  honor,  etc., 

J.  BUIUIOYNK. 


M    1^       ,^-  Julil  4,  1777. 

My  Dear  Sir:  .»    ,    •n. 

1  have  this  moment  received  the  letter,  with  which  you  have 
honored  me,  and  also  the  report  of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Hreymann 

The  .strong  picket,  at  the  foot  of  tiie  mountain,  is  evidVnce  tliat 
the  post  of  Hreymann  causes  some  uneasiness  to  the  enemy  I  do 
not  believe  that  the  latter  will  think  of  continuing  his  cannon  lire 
either  from  one  side  or  the  other,  after  seeing  the  result. 


ami 


liUH 


ort'lVIAL  Ixxl'MKSTs  liKLATISO 


Our  ini'M  work  tliliitciitly  <m  Hk"  nmds  (IchIhiiciI  w  u  rominuiiicii- 
tioii  tor  till'  liLclil  win.!;.  I  am  very  niirc  tliut  llic  siiiiic  work  pro- 
fri'csscH  uiiilrr  j-oiir  coiuiiiuikI,  on  llic  led  winfr,  willi  llic  grcatcsl 
lioHsililc  cvpiMrHion. 

The  siivii^fcs,  who  xlioiild  liavc  passed  tn'1'oi-c  ilaylircak,  did  not 
niarrii  liy  till  alxxit  st'Vt'ii  o'clock.  Captain  Ffa/.cr  very  likely  marched 
liy  wilhoiil  hullin^r,  in  order  to  reach  the  rende/voiiH  which  wan 
desi^niatcd  tor  cijjiil  o'clock  at  a  distance  of  two  miles  lieyond.  This 
ajipcars  prolial)le.     lie  ouudil,  however,  to  have  muled  himself  to  its. 

I  do  not  know  whether  I  shall  lie  able  to  visit  the  Icll  win^  to-day 
or  not. 

I  have,  etc., 

J.  Ill  lUioVM:. 


Skkiinkhiioikh  (ill, ./»///  7, 1777. 

I  arrived  here  yesterday  in  season  to  attack  the  manned  shijw  of 
till'  enemy  which  cover  his  retreat,  lie  had  oidy  tivc,  two  of  which 
Avere  taken,  and  the  rest  hin'iied  and  lilowii  up.  A  j;reat  part  of  their 
lia;;<;a,<;(!  and  ammmiition  is  in  our  possession.  His  army  is  iMit  in 
two.  The  New  KuHland  provincials  have  letl  for  home  in  the 
jircatest  disorder.  The  others  have  turned  toward  Fort  (Jeorjre, 
wlicrc  ilicy  intend  to  await  (Jciu'rid  I'ulnam  with  an  army  of  ."i.iHMt 
men.  It  is  my  opinion  that  the  army  of  Ticoiidcrojfa  is  entirely 
annihilated,  as  it  is  in  wantofall  the  materials  for  sup|)orl  and  defense. 

You  will  have  the  kindness  to  go  into  a  "camp  of  rest"  with  the 
troops  of  the  IcH  win.i;,  either  on  Jlount  Independence  or  in  its 
vicinity,  and  there  remain  until  I  have  completed  my  arran<;cments 
for  the  continuation  of  our  a<lvaiu'e.  If  you  find  means  for  forward- 
iiifi;  our  provisions,  1  wish  Hreymann's  corps  to  be  stationed  within 
a  few  miles  of  barrack  Independence,  on  the  main  road  to  Ticoii- 
dcroii;a  near  No.  4,  to  support  operations  in  that  direction,  and  facili- 
tat<'  comniimicatioii  tlixhini  ijl'niiirn. 

You  will  have  the  goodness  to  distribute  manifestoes  and  issu(! 
strict  orders  for  llie  prevention  of  plundering!;  or  otherwise  iiijuriii}^ 
the  inhabitants. 

You  will  hear  ajfain  from  nu;  in  a  short  time.     Till  then 

I  have,  etc., 

J,  IJUIMIOYNK. 


P.  8.  The  corps  of  General  Frazer  has  orders  to  remain  in  Ticonde- 
i'oj;a  initil  .gunboats  and  otlier  vessels  can  be  placed  on  Lake  Georjje. 


10  i,ES.  UIKDKSEls  CAMVMiiS. 


•joy 


Vww  AT  Ski;m;sii()H()I  (ill,./'////  M,  1777. 
1  Imd  the  hdiKir  nl'  wriliiii;  you  this  nioriiin;,'.  Since  tlifii  I  Imve 
ivcclvcd  II  Icitcr  IViim  (icncnij  Fia/.cr,  wliicli  inlbnim  nu'  of  your 
inlciilioii  of  iiiiirciiiiift  Io-mioitow.  Vour  siiips  nnd  iinis  mv  iit 
picsciil  line;  and  I  .snpposc  timt  you  intend  inai-cliintc,  ju  spile  oltlie 
diirerenl  opinions  I  have  had  upon  llie  weatlier,  willi  a  view  of  join- 
in;;  me  at  tliis  piaee.  ||  Is  now  my  wisii  (since,  liy  tlie  retreat  of  iIk^ 
enemy  to  No.  .J,  cominunicalion  is  open)  to  unite  as  far  as  possil)h', 
llie  Alioh'  strcnijlii  on  tiiis  side.  I  he^r  that  you  wili  ieave  a  sullleicnt 
.i,'uai(i  for  llie  wounded  until  they  can  lie  carried  to  Ticondero^a. 
Vou  will,  if  possllile,  supply  the  jfuard  witli  enoii^rh  provisions  "to 
last  one  or  Uvo  days;  and  ineaiis  wili  liavc  to  lie  found  to  supply 
them  afterwards.    The  i,'uard  will  soon  he  released  Iiy  anolher  corps. 

I  have,  etc., 

.1.  BriKtoY.M-;. 


Imtrurtuinn for  Mnjtn'  (InHnil   Von  h'iii/ixtl. 

IIkai)  QiAiiTKUs,  Skkknkmiioiioi  (III  lloisi;,  ,A////  10,  1777. 
Dear  Sir: 

The  rea.son  for  the  movement  of  the  lell  win;;  is  to  prevent  any 
eommunicalion  lietween  No.  t  and  Alliaiiy  liy  way  ol Castletown,  to 
allord  pidlcctioii  to  the  loyal  inhabitantM,  to  frighten  the  disloyal, 
and  to  protect  the  hospital  at  Huherton. 

You  will,  therefore,  have  the  goodness  to  lake  yoiu'  position  on 
the  Castletown  river,  and  send  the  corps  of  Meutcnant  folouel  IJrey. 
luaun  to  the  opposite  side,  where  is  the  junction  of  the  rouils  to 
I'oidtney  and  Hupert. 

The  Iles.sc  llaiiau  regiment  will  occupy  the  height  of  Kast  ("reek 
piwt,  near  the  landing  place,  i -der  lo  secure  this  eonnmmieatiou. 

After  taking  up  this  position,  1  desire  you  lo  use  all  means  lo  en- 
courage tlic  inhahitants.  You  will  otler  them  the  protection  of  the 
king  liy  placing  sentiiiels  in  front  of  the  houses  ami  possessions  of 
those  who  are  known  lo  he  loyal,  and  liy  saving  those  houses  which 
are  empty  until  you  receive  ftirther  iii.slruclions,  as  I  intend  to 
aiipoint  a  certain  time  for  the  guilty  ones  to  return,  before  resorting 
to  military  e.xecutioii.s. 

I  would  also  request  you  to  i>uuisli  soldiers  or  others  under  your 
command,  who  may  he  found  guilty  of  plundering  or  otherwise 
abusing  the  inhabitants. 

I  have  the  honor,  etc., 

J.  I5i  iKidVNi:. 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
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270 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  RELATING 


Head  Quarteks  at  Skeenesbououou,  July  18, 1777. 

I  beg  you  will  excuse  my  not  having  replied  to  your  last  two 
letters ;  but  I  have  been  very  much  hurried  in  finishing  my  dispatches 
to  the  court. 

Your  proposition  to  make  a  movement  with  your  corps  is  entirely 
in  accordance  with  my  wishes,  and  shows,  in  all  its  parts,  the  talents 
which  you  possess.  The  state  of  the  weather,  however,  prevents  mc 
from  making  use  of  them,  as  there  is  danger  of  too  greatly  fatiguing 
your  troops. 

It  will  be  necessary  to  advance  soon  with  the  whole  army.  I  am 
only  waiting  for  the  roads  to  be  in  a  proper  condition. 

I  hope  you  will  observe  strict  order  in  sending  the  baggage  back 
to  Tieonderoga.  The  baggage  of  the  British  officers  has  ali'cady 
been  sent  back,  and  some  have  only  a  small  tent  and  a  knapsack  left. 
In  the  end,  it  is  really  the  best  thing  for  the  officers  to  be  particular 
upon  this  point. 

I  have  ordered  the  distribution  of  horses  among  the  artillery.  The 
remainder  will  then  be  portioned  out  to  the  troops.  But  their  num- 
ber is  as  yet  insufficient  to  carry  the  tents  of  the  soldiers. 

The  inhabitants  of  your  neighborhood  give  as  an  excuse  for  not 
bringing  in  cattle,  t)iat  they  were  engaged  in  the  service  of  your 
camp.  I  would  be  very  much  obliged  to  j'ou  if  you  would  report  to 
me  tno  number  of  o:;en,  horses  and  wagons  actually  employed  (in- 
cluding 'he  Hanau  r.-giment),  that  I  may  punish  those  who  tell  me 
"dsehoodi'. 

We  arc  ut  presejit  engaged  in  transforming  the  new  corps  of 
provincials  into  regular  troops.  It  is  necessary  for  Mr.  Sherwood  to 
return  with  all  his  people  as  soon  as  possible,  that  their  names  may 
be  placed  upon  the  register  and  that  other  matters  in  regard  to  their 
enlistment  maj'  be  settled. 

I  have  ordered  four  dozen  bottles  of  port  wine  and  the  same 
(juantity  of  nnideira  to  be  sent  you.  I  am  sorry  that  the  present  con- 
dition of  my  cellar  does  not  allow  me  to  send  you  a  larger  quantity 
and  a  better  kind. 

I  have,  etc., 

J.  Burgoyne. 


SKEENEsnoRouciii,  July  23, 1777. 

I  returned  yesterday  from  my  excursion  of  two  days— -which  I 
spent  in  reconnoitering  Fort  Ann  and  the  country  of  the  enemy  — 
too  late  to  reply  to  the  two  letters  of  the  21st  with  which  you  honored 
me. 


TO  OEN.  BIEDESEVS  CAMPAIO^. 


271 


The  blocking  up  of  the  roads  which  tlie  enemy  liavc  endeavored 
every  wliere  to  destroy,  forced  me  to  postpone  for  one  day  tiie  united 
movement  and  malte  a  few  alterations  in  tlie  arrangement.  The 
corps  of  Frazer  marched  to-day.  Tlu!  right  wing  will  follow  the  day 
after  to-morrow  (the  25th)';  and  you  will  have  the  goodness  to  have 
the  left  wing  occupy  the  same  territory  on  whicli  it  encamped  near 
Slicensborough.  It  is  left  to  you,  sir,  either,  for  tlic  accommodation 
of  your  troops,  to  march  to-morrow  to  Castletown,  or  to  make  the 
wliole  distance  in  one  day,  or  further—  if  you  find  it  advisable  — to 
embark  your  troops  or  part  of  tliem  on  East  creek,  according  to  the 
number  and  accommodation  of  your  ships.  It^  will  f5e  necessary  to 
continue  the  march  of  the  left  wing  on  the  2oth ;  and  it  is  left  to 
your  own  judgment  whether  it  would  not  be  less  fatiguing  for  tlie 
troops  to  bivouack  during  the  night  of  the  Soth  than  for  them  to 
transport  their  tents  from  the  ships  to  the  camp-ground  only  to  re- 
embark  them  again  on  the  ne.vt  morning. 

By  having  the  army  thus  march  in  divisions  as  far  as  Fort  Ann,  I 
shall  prevent  the  confusion  which  the  large  number  of  ships  would 
cause  in  the  narrow  passage  of  the  creek. 

The  enemy  are  in  considerable  force  at  Fort  Edward,  and  appear 
to  await  us  there.  I  very  mucli  doubt  it :  still,  it  will  be  necessary  to 
take  measures  to  advance  against  this  position  with  sufficient  force, 
and  in  such  marching  order  that  a  line  of  battle  can  quickly  be 
formed. 

Please  bring  with  you  all  the  wagons  and  teams  you  have  and  can 
muster,  for  which  you  will  give  the  owners  certiflcates. 

I  will  leave  the  other  nuitters  until  1  have  the  honor  of  seeing  you. 
In  the  meantime,  I  remain  with  the  greatest  esteem, 

J.  BURGOYNE. 

p.  8.  The  enemy  had  the  audacity  to  push  forward  a  patrol  of 
thirty-four  men  a  quarter  of  a  mile  beyond  Fort  Ann.  A  deserter 
brought  this  news.  A  jjortion  of  our  Indians,  who  had  lately  arrived, 
were  quickly  dispatched  after  them,  and  succeeded  in  capturing  a 
captain  and  eighteen  men ;  the  rest  were  either  killed  or  scattered. 
I  believe  this  will  be  a  good  lesson  to  them.  This  letter  will  serve  in 
the  place  of  orders  for  vour  march  to  Skeensborough  without  my 
sending  you  a  general  order. 


Camp  neak  Fauatoga,  Aiignsl  13, 1777, 
10^  o'clock  in  the  morning. 
Being  desirous  of  not  retarding  your  march  this  morning,  I  kept 
the  details  of  this  plan,  intending  to  have  it  follow  you. 


mmm 


272 


OFFICIAL  DOVUMENTH  IlELATINO 


Mr.  Bnnin  reports  to  me  that  the  enemy  number  1,800  men,  and 
that  he,  therefore,  could  not  carry  out  the  projected  phm.  He  also 
states  tli;it  he  is  at  present  attacked,  and  expects  reenforeements. 

(N)nfi(lins  in  the  talents  of  this  officer,  I  am  convinced  that  you 
will  tind  him  at  his  post;  and  it  depenHs  on  you  —  accordinsjf  to 
what  you  maj-  learn  from  the  enemy  —  either  to  make  a  new  attack 
or  to  call  back  the  detachment. 

The  main  thing  is  to  ai'rans^c  the  retreat  (if  it  be  unavoidable),  in 
such  a  manner  as  to  give  the  enemy  no  chance  to  triumph  over  us, 
and  no  cause  for  discouragement  to  the  Indians.  To  prevent  this, 
all  the  animaT^  and  wagons,  captured  by  the  troops,  must  be  kept. 
It  would  also,  be  very  desirable  to  have  the  flour  and  corn  taken 
awit3' ;  but  since  we  have  no  means  for  doing  this,  they  will  have  to 
be  burned. 

Please  report  to  rae  all  that  takes  place. 

I  h.ave,  etc., 

J.  BUIUIOYNK. 


Avgiist  23. 

I  have  had  the  honor  of  receiving  your  three  letters,  and  have 
thoroughly  considered  the  report  of  Colonel  Breymann.  Nothing 
can  be  said  against  the  troops  in  regard  to  bravery.  It  is  certain  that 
the  march  of  Mr.  Brej'mann  was  very  slow.  It  would  have  been 
better  if  he  had  left  his  artillery  behind  to  follow  alYer  him  under  an 
escort,  than  to  have  delayed  reenforcing  the  troops. 

!Mr.  Skene  insists  that  it  was  impossible  for  Lieutenant  Colonel 
Breymann  not  to  have  known  of  the  encounter  of  Baum,  since  two 
or  three  officers,  who  had  witnessed  it,  were  with  him  in  the  mill. 
Skene,  however,  says,  that  he  himself  knew  nothing  of  the  aftair. 

It  is  also  certain  that  the  gunners  tired  at  too  great  a  distance. 
Finally,  I  consider  it  necessary  to  inclose  the  following  order  in  the 
general  instructions,  which  I  comnumicaie  to  you  before  it  is  pub- 
lished, on  account  of  the  attention  I  owe  you,  I  will  wait  until  you 
honor  me  with  your  answer. 

You  will  find  that  there!  are  to-day  more  wagons  for  the  trans- 
portation of  articles  to  Fort  Ann.  I  am  very  impatient  and  anxious 
to  have  the  provisions  with  us  for  the  march  against  the  enemy. 
The  moment  is  a  decisive  one ;  and  with  yoiu-  keen  perception  you 
will  readily  see  that  our  communication  with  Fort  Ann  is  too  ex- 
tended and  too  much  exposed  for  us  to  depend  on  being  supplied 
much  longer,  when  our  army  shall  have  advanced  a  little  further. 
Consider,  also,  that  it  will  be  necessary  to  leave  all  the  wagons  at 


TO  QEN.  RIEUESEL  S  CAMl'AWN. 


273 


Stillwater,  and  that  all  transportation  from  Port  Ann  will  then  cease. 
I  say  all  this  to  you  in  confidence ;  and  you  will  keep  it  secret.  It 
has  been  reported  to  me  that  wagons  are  to  come  from  Fort  George. 
Orders  will  be  given  that  the  wagons,  you  mention,  shall  be  furnished 
to  Breymann's  corps. 

Will  youliavethe  kindness  to  send  hither  to-morrow  a  troop  of 
six  or  eight  dragoons.  I  expect  to  have  al)out  ten  liorses  which  you 
may  have  to  enable  you  to  begin  the  mounting  of  your  cscadron; 
and  I  will  try  in  every  way  to  complete  it. 

Your  letter  to  Baum  I  will  send  into  the  enemy's  lines  by  a 
druuuncr. 

I  have,  etc., 

I  J.  BdUOOVNK. 


Avgmt2(i,  1777. 
I  had  the  honor  of  writing  yon  last  night,  and  informing  you  that 
I  had  received  the  intelligence  tliat  a  strong  patrol  of  the  enemy  — 
about  300  men— have  marched  against  Fort  Ann,  and  requesting 
you  to  send  a  sufficient  escort  from  your  post  with  carts  in  case 
enough  of  them  should  arrive.  ' 

I  sent  the  letter  by  a  courier,  who,  I  fear,  has  lost  his  way  in  the 
dark.  I  therefore,  send  Lieutenant  Wilford  with  this  one,  though  I 
confess  that  I  shall  not  be  at  ease  until  I  receive  an  answer  to  this  letter. 
A  failure  would  not  only  be  a  mortification,  but  detrimental  for  the 
future  transportation  of  supplies.  I  feel  assured  that  all  the  carts  we 
possess,  are  engaged  for  this  purpose. 

If  I  am  right  in  this  latter  conjecture,  then  the  measu'-es  of  those 
who  sent  them  from  Fort  Edward  were  well  meant,  but  this  was  not 
my  order. 

If  a  sufHcient  escort,  under  an  officer,  who  carefully  covers  his 
flanks  and  front  to  guard  against  surprise  (for  the  chief  talents  of  au 
army  should  be  directed  to  this  end),  has  marched,  then  send  Mr. 
Wilford  Ijack  at  once  with  the  intelligence. 

But  in  either  case,  I  request  you  to  send  an  officer  in  advance  to 
prevent  any  delay  of  the  teams  on  so  dangerous  a  road.  The  severe 
rain  has  very  likely  made  the  travel  extremely  difficult ;  and  it 
would,  therefore,  be  better  to  put  on  the  carts  only  half  of  a  load 
(leaving  the  rest  in  the  woods),  than  to  have  them  slick  fast  in  tiie 
mud  and  the  horses  driven  away. 

I  wish  when  you  arrive,  you  would  retain  sufficient  provisions  to 
last  your  corps  six  days,  and  send  the  balance  to  Fort  Edward.    If 
the  condition  of  the  roads  renders  it  practicable,  and  iK.thing  is  seen 
35 


:Y* 


[ll- 


274 


OFFICIAL  nOCVMENTS  RELATING 


of  tlic  enemy,  llicn  the  few  tenms  tliut  liave  started  ran  keep  on. 
Hut  tlie  carts  1  would  not  like  to  venture  on  anotlier  route.  It  is 
better  to  leav(!  the  rest  ))ehind. 

Sliould  it  he  neee.'isary  to  partly  unload  the  earts,  then  hyall  means 
do  not  take  oil  the  Hour,  hut  earry  it  as  far  as  possible. 

I  have,  etc., 

J.  BUUOOVNE. 

P.  S.  Just  as  I  am  closing  this  letter,  my  courier  arrives.  Never- 
thelcss,  I  send  Mr.  Wilford,  as  I  still  think  that  it  will  be  better,  as 
the  roads  are  so  bad,  not  to  have  the  carts  return  for  a  second  load. 


Aiifjiisf  Jil,  1777. 

I  beg  you  to  accept  my  apology  for  not  sooner  answering  the  letter 
with  which  you  honored  me  on  the  39th. 

Regarding  Fort  George,  it  is  my  intention  to  leave  there  four 
companies  of  the  47th  Regiment,  two  of  which  -will  occupy  the  fort, 
and  the  remainder  the  island  three  miles  distant  from  the  land.'  I 
take  it  for  granted  that  the  fort  is  safe  against  any  surprise,  no  matter 
how  strong  the  attacking  party  may  be.  In  case  of  an  assault,  the 
garrison  can  still  reti'cat  through  the  open  ditch,  to  the  island," 
whither  the  enemy  can  never  go,  being  tlestitute  of  ships,  while  we, 
on  the  contrary,  have  gunboats. 

The  island  will,  also,  be  a  place  in  which  to  keep  valuables;  and 
the  oflicer,  who  remains  there  to  command  the  four  companies,  will 
be  instructed  to  carry  out  this  order. 

I  beg  that  you  will  have  the  guard  for  your  baggage  as  small  as 
possible.  I  will  order  the  English  regiments  to  do  the  same.  In 
this  way,  we  shall  approach  the  enemy  as  strong  as  is  in  our  power. 

It  will  not  be  advisable  to  have  guards  (posts)  between  Fort  George 
and  the  army.  Communication  will,  therefore,  be  very  hazai'dous. 
In  order  to  neutralize  this,  however,  I  am  now  engaged  in  having  ii 
transportable  magazine  built,  which  will  l)e  ready  in  a  very  few  days. 
As  so(m  as  this  is  completed,  your  corps  will  at  once  join  the  army.' 

I  am  also  endeavoring  to  procure  horses,  both  for  mounting  the 
dragoons,  and  for  Ihe  transportation  service. 


'  MonniiiK  doublloss  the  liiiuliiig,  or  the  south  shore  of  the  lake.  The  lake  in  no 
phicu  \<i  three  miles  in  widtli.—  Tramlalor. 

''  Tlie  idett  ol'  coiirne  is,  that  tlie  garrison  can  retreat  to  the  lake,  and  thence  to  tlio 
inland.—  Traimlaloi: 

3  Riedescl  was  slntioncd  at  this  time  at  Joiin's  liirni,  four  miles  I'rom  the  lake.— 
Tnun^tator. 


TO  (ih'X.  lilEDh'SEVS  CAMl'AllfN. 


'11  ii 


I  have  just  this  moment  hciml  a  rumor  whicli  gives  me  mucli 
uiu'iisiuess.  It  is  said  tliat  several  sliips  (some  lilty),  are  still  l)etweeii 
Fort  Anil  anil  Skenesborough.    If  this  rumor  is  true,  then  ilajor 

(?)  made  a  great  mistake  in  leaving  his  post  witliout  first  aUow- 

ing  them  to  pass.  I  beg  you,  my  dear  sir,  to  send  an  escort  with 
Captain  Harrington,  who  has  the  honor  of  carrying  this  letter  to 
you,  and  who  is  to  investigate  this  matter.  It  seems  to  me,  that  this 
may  be  productive  of  disagreeable  consecinences,  nothing  short  of 
furnishing  the  means  to  the  enemy  of  reaching  Super-llill  near  Ti- 
condeioga  by  the  South  river,'  and  of  alarming  oui-  guard  at  the 
portage.  Tiicrefore,  in  case  the  ships  are  of  any  number,  and  in  sulll- 
ciently  good  condition  to  be  transported,  and  the  country  is  clear  of 
the  enemy,  let  them  be  brought  through  Skeensborough  to  Tieon- 
deroga  by  a  skillful  manoeuvre  of  the  two  companies  of  the  47tli, 
whose  i)rovince  it  will  be  to  garrison  the  island.  You  will  please 
give  them  tlieir  orders  in  conformity  with  the  report  of  Ciiptain  Har- 
rington. In  case,  however,  the  number  of  the  ships  are  too  small,  I 
desire  to  have  them  burned  or  destroyed.    I  have,  etc  , 

J.  BUUOOYNE, 

p.  S.  Please  present  my  compliments  to  the  baroness,  and  my 
readiness  to  serve  her  in  any  way  when  you  march.    I  foresee  great 


fatigues  for  a  lady. 


B. 


ISi'crct  and  conlUleiitinl.] 

Scptemk'}'  10,  1777. 

The  last  orders  hav(;  b.'cn  given  to  have  nothing  remain  in  Fort 
George.  The  last  of  tiie  wagons  will  accordingly  pass  Fort  Kdward 
either  to-morrow  evening  or  Friday  morning;  and  you  will  then  be 
able  to  march  with  all  the  troops  that  are  now  with  you. 

General  Gates,  having  considered  it  best  to  reoccupy  the  position  at 
Stillwater,  I  desire  to  contract  my  front  somewhat  before  crossing  tin; 
river.  I  have,  therefore,  postponed  the  advance  of  Frazer's  and  IJrey- 
mann's  corps  tmtil  to-morrow.  As  everything  is  on  the  retrograde, 
and  the  ships  are  loading  with  provisions,  this  postponement  involves 
no  loss  of  time. 

I  iiave,  my  dear  general,  to  intrust  a  little  matter  to  your  care, 
during  your  stay  at  Fort  Edward.''  I  desire  to  have  two  ships,  with 
their  oars,  buried  as  ([uietly  as  possible.    It  would,  also,  be  well  to 


'  Soatli  creek. 

'  Ricdoscl  had  now  moved  down  to  Fort  Edward. 


1 


276 


OFFICIAL  DOCmiENTS  RELATING 


shovel  earth  upon  them ;  and  to  jrive  them  Htill  more  the  appearance 
of  graves,  a  erosH  might  he  phieed  upon  eaeh  hilhu'k.  AH  tliis  must  he 
done  in  llic  nigiit,  and  only  hy  trustworthy  soldiers.  The  teamsters 
eannot  he  relied  on. 

The  use  for  which  these  ships  are  intended,  is  to  help  Lieutenant 
Colonel  St.  liCger  in  crossing  tlie  river,  in  ease  of  eireumstances 
forcing  Iiini  to  march  without  liis  ships.'  Tills  ofllcer  luis  heen  forced 
hy  llie  had  conduct  of  tlie  Indians,  to  retreat  oh  the  road  to  Oswego. 
lie  lias,  however,  aecompHshed  this  witliout  loss,  and  is  now  on  his 
march  to  the  army.  I  liave  sent  him  orders  as  to  the  necessary  mea- 
sures of  iireeaution  lie  Is  to  take  upon  arriving  on  tlie  island  at  the 
lower  end ''  of  Lake  (leorge.  If  he  finds  that  the  enemy  are  not  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  road  leading  to  the  army,  and  he  can  keep  the  march 
of  twenty- four  men  a  secret,  he  is  to  cross  the  river  near  Fort  Ed- 
ward, at  the  same  time  notifying  ine,  in  advance,  of  his  movement, 
that  I  may  he  ahle  to  facilitate  it  from  my  side.  I  have  told  him 
where  he  will  lind  the  ships,  viz  :  imide  of  Fort  Edward. 

I  have  given  orders  to  Brigadier  General  Powell  to  have  your 
reserves  cross  at  the  same  time  with  Colonel  St.  Leger,  and  to  leave 
those  only  hehind  that  helong  to  the  regiment  of  Prince  Frederick. 
If  you  have  any  special  orders  to  give  your  otHcer,  you  may  send  yonr 
letter  hy  the  ollieer  who  lias  the  honor  of  taking  tills  to  you. 

Itespectfully,  etc., 

J.  Bunco VNE. 


MISCELL.\NEOUS  EXTKACT8  FROM  RIEDESELS  JOURNAL. 
Arrindofthc  First  lirutinwick  Drnxiuu  in  America. 

On  the  morning  of  the  2.5th  of  'Slay,  177t!,  on  waking,  we  found 
ourselves  fourteen  ortitlcen  leagues  from  Cape  Catt  near  the  Cammel 
mountains.  By  ten  o'clock  we  had  a  most  favorahle  east  wind,  which 
■would,  as  Captain  Bell  (our  captain)  assured  us,  hring  us  the  same 
evening  to  the  Isle  Pie.  Although  the  weather  was  stormy,  the  wind 
continued  favorahle.  Finally',  at  three  in  the  afternoon  we  came  in 
sight  of  tlut  longed  for  Isle  Pie.  The  frlgati,'  Juno  gave  the  .signal  to 
east  anchors  at  seven  and  a  half  o'clock.  All  the  captains  of  the  dif- 
ferent transports  were  then  ordered  to  go  ahoard  the  Juno,  ai  1  every 
one  expected,  as  a  matter  of  course,  that  they  would  there  procure 
their  i)ilots ;  especially,  since  we  had  met  the  frigate  Surprise  (under 


'  Ship?  (sehiffe)  in  tlie  oi!gii\at.    Tliey  were,  of  course,  /Main.—  Translator. 
s  Tlie  expieBsion  in  the  original  is  "  nnf  der  ini  Mntertii  ende."    The  island,  how- 
ever, hero  meant,  niiist  be  the  fortified  one  at  the  head  of  the  lake.—  Translator. 


TO  ^■A■^^  UlKDEtiKUS  CAM/'A/aX. 


•Ill 


Cnptiim  Lincoc!)  near  the  island.  The  hitter  had  hiin  tliere  several 
days  waiting  for  us.  But  on  the  return  of  our  eai.tain  to  the  Pallas 
we  were  inlbrnied  that  the  fleet,  with  the  Irish  regiments,  had  arrived 
the  (lay  before,  anil  had  taken  all  the  pilots. 

Captain  Dalrhnple,  in  the  meantime,  resolved  to  venture  it  without 
a  pilot,  and  continue  on  to  Quebec  as  soon  as  a  favorable  wind  would 
allow.  In  the  middle  of  the  night  there  arose  a  sudden  blast,  which 
lorced  us  to  cast  out  a  second  anchor;  and,  as  it  was,  several  of  the 
ships  were  torn  loose  from  their  mooring.s.  This  was,  also,  the  more 
dangerous  as  the  water  at  this  i)hice  was  full  of  rocks. 

On  the  Iflth  we  had  the  finest  weather,  but  owing  to  tlie  wind  being 
contrary,  were  obliged  to  continue  at  anchor.  In  the  afternoon.  Gene- 
ral Itiedesel  availed  himself  of  this  delay  to  pay  a  visit  to  General  Bur- 
goyne,  on  board  the  Blonde.  On  this  occasion  he  went  ashore  on  the 
Ish;  Pie  distant  about  1,3()0  paces  from  the  ship. 

This  island  is  surrounded  by  rocks,  and  the  api)roach  of  the  vessels 
was  thereby  very  much  endangered.  All  kinds  of  shells  and  the 
skeletons  of  whales  were  found  on  the  shore.  Among  the  various 
kinds  of  trees  were  the  pine  and  the  birch.  The  smell  of  the  former 
is  a  great  deal  stronger  here  than  in  the  north  of  Germany.  The  soil 
was  covered  by  all  kinds  of  herbs  and  plants,  some  of  whicii  we  were 
familiar  with.  The  atmosphere  here  was  altogether  warmer  and  of  a 
better  quality  than  that  on  board  the  ship.  But  few  families  have 
settled  here,  and  those  belong  to  pilots.  Pilots  are  also  sent  here 
from  (Juebec  when  necessary.  General  Ricdesel  met  General  Bur- 
goyne  on  board  of  the  Blonde.  The  latter  was  in  the  act  of  leavin" 
the  ship  to  go  on  board  the  Siirjirise  preparatory  to  sailing  in  advance 
to  Quebec,  whither  he  desired  to  proceed  to  arrange  matters  there  for 
the  troops  as  Carleton  had  left  tiiat  city  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy.  At 
eight  in  the  evening,  thirteen  guns  thundered  from  the  Blonde,  as 
Burgoync  left  that  ship  and  embarked  on  the  Surprise. 

At  twelve  at  night,  the  anchors  were  hoisted,  and  the  voyage  was 
continued  on  the  27tli  under  a  favoral)lc  wind.  We  kept  very  near 
the  right  or  southern  bank  of  the  river,  passing  close  to  Cap  i\  I'Ori- 
ginal,  afterward  Road  island,  whicli  is  at  the  mouth  of  the  Sageyney 
river.  On  the  sliore  we  saw  here  and  there  a  settlement  of  colonists. 
About  ten  we  passed  Green  island,  and  saw  at  a  distance  a  most 
magnlflcent  watertlill.  After  passing  this  Island,  we  could  overlook 
a  great  portion  of  the  southern  shore  of  the  river,  with  its  houses  and 
farms,  very  pleasing  to  the  eye,  anil  especially  to  our  eyes,  as.we  had 
not  seen  the  like  in  a  long  time.  The  left  or  northern  shore  was  at 
this  point  not  cultivated,  for  the  high  mountains  come  down  to  the 
water's  edge.    Our  Englishmen  assured  us  that  the  side  beyond  the 


:1 


27H 


OFFICIAL  IWCVJUeHfrs  IIKLATINO 


inoiiiittiins  was  1)('tt<'i' cullivatcil  lliaii  even  tlie  soutli  side,  and  llmt 
tliere  wasaetiiiilly  a  ^iooil  road  leadinfj;  to  (iiielfec. 

Toward  noon  we  approaelied  more  toward  the  northeni  shore  iiiul 
|)assed  Hare  island,  so  naniecl  from  the  lari^e  nundiers  of  that  ani- 
mal I'oinid  in  it.  'Y\w  hares  of  Canada  are  while  in  winter  and  tjieir 
natnral  color  in  snmmer.  The  water  here  is  yet  saline  and  is  fitty 
fathoms  deep.  At  five  o'elocl<  we  saw  a  niec^  little  village  on  the; 
southern  shore,  which  numbered  uhout  flrty  houses,  including  ii 
church.  This  village  was  thought  to  he  La  Houteillerie.  On  this 
ilay  we  readied  Kamaraska  islands,  and  cast  anchor  hetwcen  Iheni 
and  the  Mal-Hai  at  eight  o'clock.  Thus  Cape  Oosu  was  in  front  of 
us.    On  this  day  we  made  twcnty-si.\  leagues. 

Anchors  were  weighed  at  eight  on  the  morning  of  the  28lh.  The 
weather  was  clear,  and  the  wind  favorable.  NVe  saw  a  great  many 
jiorpoises  playing  in  the  water.  Jiidgihg  from  their  color,  they  are  a 
dirt'crent  species  from  the  ones  we  saw  at  sea,  for  those  were  white 
while  these  are  grey.  The  white  jiorpoises  are  said  to  e.xist  only  in 
the  St.  Lawrence  and  the  Hay  of  Finnlaiid.  During  this  day's  voy- 
age we  saw  both  shores  strewn  with  settlements,  some  of  which  were 
surrounded  by  large  tracts  of  cleared  land. 

At  twelve  .M.  we  came  in  sight  of  the  Island  Au.\  Coudrcs.  This 
island  was  designated  as  the  general  rendezvous  for  all  the  ships  that 
were  driven  out  of  their  course.  The  shores,  as  well  the  channel  of 
the  river,  are  here  full  of  rocks  and  clitrs;  and  it  is,  therefore,  impos- 
sible to  get  along  without  a  pilot.     We  accordingly  cast  anchor. 

At  the  expiration  of  an  liour  pilots  came  on  board  from  the  island, 
and  conducted  some  of  our  ships  (among  them  the  Pallas)  to  another 
anchorage.  This  was  between  tin;  north  side  of  the  Isle  aux  Coudres 
and  the  lert  shore  of  the  river.  It  was  just  at  low  tiile,  anil  the  cur- 
rent of  the  water  was  so  strong,  that  the  shijis  had  to  l)e  pulled  along 
by  row  boats.  From  thc^  pilots  we  ascertained  that  the  fleet  with  the 
English  regiments  had  passed  the  island  the;  Sunday  i)revions,  and 
that  it  had  taken  with  it  all  the  other  pilots.  They  are,  however, 
expected  back  this  day. 

It  was  two  o'clock  when  we  east  anchor  for  the  second  time,  having 
made  sixteen  leagues  from  the  Isle  of  Kamaraska.  A  curious  acci- 
dent occurred  on  our  first  casting  anchor,  which  came  very  near 
resulting  in  the  destruction  of  the  Pallas  and  the  Apollo.  The  cap- 
tains of  these  two  vessels  accidentally  cast  anchor  at  one  and  the 
same  time.  The  conseciuencc  was  that  the  anchors  and  ropes  became 
so  entangled  that  the  two  ships  were  in  the  very  act  of  coming  into 
collision.  We  did  not  notice  the  danger  until  the  crews  of  the  other 
ships  by  great  outcries  drew  our  attention  to  the  danger,  nt  the  same 


TO  (iES.  IIIUDKSKLS  CAM/'AIUX. 


L'7!> 


time  semlin.ir,  in  all  i,ub|,.,  ilicji-  |„mts,  with  a  view  of  saviiiir  ms  iimny 
lives  as  poHsiMc.  At  llrsi  „iii'  sail„rs  .scrmcd  Id  l.c  al  a  loss  what  U> 
«1().  The  Htcminaii  led  his  nulilcr,  not  kiiowin-  whal  the  inall.T 
was.aiul  li'arlii;,Mo  make  Ihinus  worse  hy  lunilnirlheshii.s.  lint  I  his 
conliision  liappeneil  only  (liuiiiir  the  (irsi  moiiienls.  (,'a|.lain  Ilaynes 
very  soon  got  to  work  liimseir.  He  ordered  Captain  liell  to  he 
ready  to  cut  Die  eahle;  and  at  the  very  inoineiil  wh.Mi  a  collision 
appeared  likely,  Captain  Foy  ran  lo  the  wheel,  and  .irave  the  I'allas  so 
skdlful  a  turn  that  hotli  ships  passed  eaeli  otiier  safely ;  their  eahles 
disentangled  tliemselve.s;  and  no  other  daniii!,r,;  was  done,  except  the 
tearint!;  of  some  of  the  sails  and  the  hreakinj^  of  a  few  of  the  spars. 

In  the  afternoon  Captain  Haynes  sent  to  the  Isle  aiix  Coiidres  for 
uU  the  rest  of  the  pilots  to  bring  up  tlie  siiips  lell  behind.  Five  were 
found,  and  these  were  distribnled  among  the  vesMclH.  At  four  in  the 
nrternoon  the  pilol.s  who  iiad  taken  the  English  regiments  to  (Jiiebee, 
returned  in  two  vessels;  and  there  was  now  no  .scarcity  in  the  article 
of  pilots.  It  was  just  then  low  tide;  the  wind  was  unlkvorable;  and 
it  was  therefore  determini^d  that  the  ships  should  lie  at  ancluu'. 
Meanwhile,  as  the  weather  was  beautiful.  General  Uiedesel  went  on 
shore  to  sec  the  island. 

The  base  of  it  consists  of  nothing  but  useless  slate-stone  rocks 
-which  reach  out  of  the  water  on  all  sides.  The  island  is  three  leagues 
long,  with  a  cireumference  of  from  si.x  to  seven  leagues.  It  cont"iins 
about  three  hundred  inhabitants  who  live  in  sixty-live  dwellings.  It 
belongs  to  the  l)ishop  at  Quebec,  to  whom  the  inhabitants  "pay  a 
yearly  sum  at  the  rate  of  one  shilling  for  each  acre  of  land.  Tlio.se 
who  settled  here  eighty  years  ago  are  all  French  and  Catholics,  like 
all  the  rest  of  the  Canadians.  The  island,  otherwise,  is  under  the 
protection  of  the  governor  of  tiie  province  {Quebec,  who  appoints  for 
the  inhabitants  three  ollleers  taken  from  among  them.  A  new  one  is 
elected  each  year,  the  oldest  on.'  in  ollice  giving  place  to  the  person 
newly  elected.    Thus  each  hold  ollice  for  three  years. 

On  the  east  and  north  side  where  we  disemiiarked,  we  found  the 
newest  settlements,  wliuth  are  scattered  here  and  there.  On  the  south 
and  west  side  are  the  oldest  settlements.  Tiiese  latter  form  a  village 
with  a  church,  called  La  Balaine.  The  atmosphere  here  must  b(! 
very  healthy,  since  we  had  mentioned  and  shown  to  us  many  old 
people  who  had  emigrated  to  the  island  with  tiieir  parents  eiirhty 
years  ago.  The  number  of  aged  people  far  exceeds  the  proportion  of 
old  people  in  Europe. 

Here  we  saw  for  the  first  time  the  Canadian  costume.  Tiii,;  is, 
among  the  men,  somewhat  in  the  same  style  as  the  dress  of  the 
Indians.     Without  being  artificial,  it  is  in  corre.'^poudence  with  the 


2M0 


oFflCIAr.  IKK'UMENTS  ItFU.ATtXO 


cliiimtc.  Over  lliclr  Hliiils,  wliicli  iiri'  frciiiicntly  made  of  colorctl 
Uiicn  or  of  printed  calico,  llicy  wear  small  waistcoats  of  dillerunt 
Htiitfs  accoi'(lln>r  to  the  seiisoii  of  the  year.  Over  this,  ajfnin,  tliey 
wear  a  lonn  Jack<'l()f  while  woolen  cloth  reachlni;  down  to  their 
knees.  This  is  ornamented  with  all  kinds  of  colored  rihiions,  which 
Hcrve  the  place  of  hnttons.  Around  the  waist  they  wear  scarfs,  which 
keeps  IJH,'  waistcoat  or  capote  (as  they  style  it),  close  tonether.  This 
scarf  is  nmde  of  dllfcrcnt  colored  yarn,  and  makes  quite  a  display. 
In  the  winter  they  wear  lon;{cr  capotes  of  doth,  or  the  skins  of  the 
])orpoise,  which  they  understand  perfectly  how  to  prepare  for  this 
purpose,  havinj;  learned  It  from  the  Indians.  I'antaloons  are  worn 
hy  all  the  men  summer  and  winter,  with  the  excepUo"  of  tliose  who 
go  ahout,  a  great  deal  with  the  navages.  But  even  these  n»e  ties  or 
aprons,  in  order  not  to  olFend  delicacy.  They  clothe  their  legs  with 
a  sort  of  Icggins,  called  in  the  Indian  language  mitas.  They  are 
worn  inside  their  shoes,  reach  half  way  up  to  the  thigh,  and  arc  put 
on  with  the  stockings.  On  the  outside,  where  our  splatter-dashes 
have  hnttons,  is  a  piece  of  cloth  or  fringe,  about  as  hroad  as  a  hand, 
which  runs  down  to  the  foot  and  keeps  flying  round  their  legs  as 
they  walk.  This  supcrtluous  piece  is  partly  for  ornament  and  partly 
for  use  against  snakes,  who,  if  not  noticed,  will  generally  hite  this 
l>iecc  of  cloth,  leaving  their  poison  in  it.  For  the  same  reason  we 
shall  have  the  long,  wulc  sailor  pants  introduced  in  our  army. 

Tlie  shoes  of  the  Canadian  are  the  real  mocaa  of  the  Indians,  and 
are,  tlierctbre,  called  soiilicnt  sitxedijcs.  Jlost  every  one  makes  these 
shoes  himself,  hut  the  Indians  make  them  the  nicest.  Tlie  ordinary 
ones  are  made  of  the  hide  of  the  por|)oise  and  shaped  very  like 
a  leather  tobacco-pouch.  They  are  attached  to  the  foot  hy  leathern 
tliongs  beh)W  the  ankle. 

The  scarcity  of  hats  causes  most  every  one  to  wear  red  woolen 
caps.  Nor,  if  the  Canadian  wishes  to  be  dir^sed  up  will  he  wear 
any  other  color.  The  aristocracy  dress  in  European  style,  hut  in  the 
country  they  wear  their  niitas  and  soulicm  ndtivtigcn  like  every  one 
else.  This  class,  in  winter,  wear  long  capotes,  caiiadicns,'  of  white 
cloth  with  ribbons,  or  castor  furs  over  their  clothing,  and  casipicts  of 
the  most  beautiful  fur  instead  of  hats.  The  Canadian  ladies  dress  in 
l''rcnch  fashion. 

We  found  the  houses  of  the  farmers  on  the  Isle  an.\  Coudres,  and 
indeed  throughout  all  Canada,  without  any  pretensions  to  architec- 
tural beauty.  They  are  generally  built  of  long  beams,  cut  square, 
and  laid  »)U  top  of  one  another  and  joined  at  the  corners.    The  inner 


'  Agiirmciit. 


rn  i.hW.  lUKDKsKUs  (.\Ml>Alii.\. 


•IM 


walls  me  covcrcil  willi  boards  (if  ci'diir  or  pine.  Tlu  re  is  lilllr  coiii- 
iimilioiisncss  In  Ihcni.  Tlic  houses  lliroii^iiunl  CiinudiMire  eoveicd 
Willi  slihiinles. 

Auricidliirc  Is  eiirrled  on  In  the  same  manner  as  willi  ns;  lint  no 
winter  jTHiii,  ,.„„  |„,  ,.„i^|,,i  |„  c,,,,,,,!,,,  'p|„,y  ,.,,1^,,  „.|ieal,  hurley, 
oals,  a  little  Indian  eorn  or  niai/e.  Kver.vlliin^'  is  sown  In  the  liefiiii- 
ninjr  oC  May,  and  harvested  aller  I'onr  nionths.  j'eas,  lieaiis,  leiitiles, 
vetches,  all  kinds  ol'eal)liaj;e  and  onions,  and  |iolaloes  are  also  raised. 
Tile  soil,  which  seems  to  he  marly  on  the  island,  hears  aliundantly 
tor  live  conseeiitive  years  with  a  little  manure.  AlHer  that  time  It  is 
iiol  cidtivated  for  two  years. 

We  found  all  kinds  of  European  cattle  and  fowl  f  In  aliundaiii  i . 
Of  the  wild  animals,  there  are  nnuiy  lilack,  grey  ami  nd  U>\v^. 
The  lilaek,  however,  are  very  scarce  (iwini;  to  tlieir  lieiiij;-  so  tiiuli 
hunted.  A  high  iirice  Is  ]iaid  lor  lliese  skins  at  tjueliec.  Hares,  of 
which  lliere  were  formerly  a  great  nnmlier  on  the  islaiul, '  >  c  mostly 
lieen  exterminated  liy  th(^  foxes.  Tliere  are  few  deer,  "\cept  In  wini  r 
wher  'h<  y  'ross  the  Ice.  In  tlie  woods  and  near  the  water  tli(  v  :.,,■ 
many  snipes,  etc.;  and  at  times  whitep  rtridges,  many  kinds  Mfwdd 
ducks,  and  wild  geese.  A  species  of  singing  bird  attracted  our  :!tien- 
tion,  the  singing  of  whicli  is  somewhat  similar  to  thai  of  <air  niglitin- 
gale,  and  which  are,  therefore,  called,  liy  the  iidialiitants,  rumt/^jj/x 
(III  piii/K.  Their  shape  and  size  are  very  similar  to  cainiry  liirds.  In 
color  they  are  lilack  and  yellow. 

A  small  streamlet,  which  winds  its  way  through  the  island,  fur- 
nishes heautiful  trout,  and  other  kinds  of  tish,  a  few  of  which  we  knew. 
Of  trees  we  particulaiiy  noticed  the  Canadian  cedar.  Of  this,  there 
arc  .several  varieties,  all  of  which  have  a  strong  odor.  The  nniplo 
grow.s  here  exceedingly  liigh,  and  is  of  great  use  to  tlie  inhabitants 
who  make  sugar  of  its  sap,  wiilch  they  called  micro  iVcnihh-  or  iln  pin/H. 
In  appearance,  it  Is  a  brackish  yellow.  In  taste.  It  Is,  with  the  exc('p- 
tion  of  a  resinous  flavor,  like  ordinary  sugar.  .V  maple  tree  around 
which  a  nuin  can  reach  his  arms,  furnishes  lliree  [lounds  of  su.gar. 
Some  of  the  people  here  make  from  400  to  500  pounds  of  sugar  on 
the  district  of  woods  assigned  to  them.  This  they  sell  at  (Quebec  for 
one-half  of  nn  English  shilling  per  pound. 

There  are  many  white  and  red  cpimlkn '  in  this  place.  Of  the  latter 
kind  the  Canadian  makes  a  sort  of  beer,  called  by  the  Engllsli,  sprouts- 
beer.  It  is  healthy,  very  n^freshing,  and,  when  one  has  becomo 
accustomed  to  it,  good  tasting.    The  twigs  and  leaves  arc  cooked  in 


'  Pines  ?    Was  not  tills  bovcmge  the  Kumiino  npnicu  beei,  ot  which,  in  liiics 
dense,  we  imvu  the  couiiterl'i  't  :•  —  Tijit. 

30 


282 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  RELATING 


Wiitpi",  tonstcil  brL'iid,  molasses  or  synip  l)i'iiig  added  to  sweeten  it. 
Some  improve  it  liy  boiling  it  with  a  ([uantity  of  wheat. 

The  St.  Lawrence,  which  is  here  still  salty,  furnishes  the  inhabit- 
ants witii  llounders,  salmon  and  codtish.  There  are  also,  many 
^(•iils ;  but  tlieir  capture  is  no  longer  made  a  business,  except  so  far  as 
their  oil  is  needed  on  the  island.  The  white  porpoises  are  taken 
more  on  account  of  their  skin. 

Of  wild  plants  we  saw  many  strawberries,  huckleberries,  succory, 
scurvy -grass  and  wild  salad  of  all  kinds.  All  the  trade  of  this  island 
is  eirrried  on  with  (Quebec.  To  this  latter  place  there  were  carried 
last  year  1,100  minots  of  corn  at  three  and  one-half  shillings,  and 
more  than  T\fMS  pounds  of  sugar  at  six-i)enee.  IJcsides  these  two 
chief  articles  of  commerce,  the  inhabitants  sell  their  superfluous  pro- 
visions and  otiier  articles. 

At  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  of  the  28th,  we  returned  again  to 
the  Pallas.  The  tide  changed  at  nine  o'clock,  and  the  pilots  availed 
tiiemselves  of  this  opportunity  to  place  the  ships  on  the  west  side  of 
the  island,  and  there  await  a  favorable  wind.  This  was  accomplished 
by  twelve  at  night,  when  we  cast  anchor  2,000  paces  from  our  old 
position. 

Here  we  remained  all  of  the  2!)th,  on  account  of  contrary  wind.s. 
On  tlic  morning  of  that  day  an  officer  arrived  in  a  pilot  boat  from 
Quebec,  lie  brought  the  news  that  we  were  not  to  stop  at  all  at 
Quebec,  but  would  proceed  at  once  to  Montreal  to  support  General 
C'arleton.  He  further  stated  that  after  the  arrival  of  the  2f)th  English 
regiment  (the  first  rcenforcement),  the  rebels  had  at  once  retreated 
to  ]\Iontrcal  leaving  behind  four  cannon  and  a  great  quantity  of 
ammunition.  Carlctcm  thereupon  went  in  pursuit,  and  captured 
500  men. 

On  the  Btli,  the  47th  (Carleton's  own  regiment),  arrived  and  im- 
mediately started  on  its  march  from  Quebec  to  Montreal.  On  the 
34th,  the  licet,  with  the  Irish  regiments,  arrived,  and  also  followed 
the  corps  of  Carleton  without  delay.  An  unpleasant  piece  of  intel- 
ligence, however,  was,  also,  imparted  to  us  by  this  ofHccr,  viz  :  that 
Howe  had  been  forced  to  cvaciuite  Boston,  and  had  retreated  to 
Halifax.  This  last  report,  however,  regarding  the  retreat  to  Halilhx, 
had  not  been  confirmed. 

Between  ten  and  eleven  o'clock  on  the  30th  of  May  the  anchors 
were  weighed  by  order  of  tlu;  pilots;  and  we  continued  our  voyage 
among  rocks  ami  sand  banks  without  accident,  until  five  and  a  half  in 
the  allernoon,  when  we  reached  Cape  Tormento,  where  the  so-called 
traverses  begin.  The  passage  at  this  point  is  very  narrow,  diflicult 
and  dangerous,  uidcss  one  pays  strict  attention  to  the  course  of  the 


TO  aaxmUL  ItlEOElSEVii  UAMI-.lla.W. 


2!sa 


vessel.  Tliere  are  two  of  these  traverses,  the  old  iiiul  the  new  one. 
,The  wind  went  dowii  before  we  reached  them,  and  we  cast  anchor 
at  eight  in  the  eveninj?  after  a  voyage  of  three  leagues.  The  Isle  of 
Orleans  was  now  directly  before  us. 

On  the  morning  of  the  31st,  as  soon  as  the  tide  changed,  wc  a-aiu 
weighed  auch..r.  Home  of  the  pilots  selected  the  new,  and  sonufthe 
old  traverse,  and  some  went  below  both  of  them,  near  the  Isle  de 
1  atience.  The  wind  remained  unfavorable ;  and  it  being  low  tide  at 
si.Y  in  the  morning,  we  cast  anchor  near  St.  John's  jioint  Here  we 
remained  until  two  in  the  afternoon  ;  and  while  we  were  wailin-  „.,. 
inspected  a  large  portion  of  the  Island  of  Orleans  with  its  beautiful 
tillage. 

The  whole  island  v..  under  most  excellent  cultivation,  and  is  strewn 
with  houses  and  villages.  It  is  this  island  from  which  Queliec 
draws  most  of  her  supplies  for  housekeeping.  Beautiful  land  and 
hue  cuttle  are  tiie  sources  whence  the  islanders  draw  their  wealth 
It  IS  thirteen  English  miles  long,  and  contains  six  parishes.  It  is  south- 
western and  lies  very  close  to  Quebec. 

At  two  in  the  afternoon,  we  continued  our  voyage  until  six  o'clock 
with  great  difficulty ;  and,  indeed,  on  account  of  contrary  winds 
made  very  little  headway.  Finally,  after  making  that  day  in  all  but 
SIX  leagues,  we  cast  anchor  between  St.  John's  point  and  Daiinliiu's 
point. 

At  one  o'clock  in  the  morning  of  June  Ist,  again  we  started  and 
continued  our  voyage  until  six  o'clock.  On  account,  however,  of  the 
change  in  the  tide,  we  were  obliged  to  cast  anchor  at  Laurent  point 
This  latter  place  is  on  the  Island  of  Orleans. 

At  three  o'clock  v.  m.,  the  anchors  were  hoisted  for  the  last  lim,.- 
and,  under  a  lavorable  wind,  we  passed  the  l)eauliful  waterfall  of 
Montmorency,  which  tiUed  us  all  with  admiration.  Finally,  at  .six 
in  the  evening  we  reached  the  harbor  of  Quebec,  having  niiu'le  this 
day,  eight  Iciigues. 

General  Kicdesel  at  once  went  into  the  city  to  pay  his  resiiects  to 
General  Oarh  ton,  and  reiiort  to  him  the  arrival  of  HiJ  (}erinan  troops 
The  latl(!r,  since  the  30th,  had  been  back  at  (Quebec,  haviii"-  left  his 
corps  for  the  present  in  charge  of  General  Unrgoyne,  who  was  with 
it  near  Three  Rivers. 

Late  in  the  evening  Carleton  .sent  one  of  his  adjutants  on  board 
our  ship,  to  inquire  into  the  ellective  strength  of  tlui  dragoon  and 
1  mice  Frederick's  regiments,  tlu  governor  having  chosen  them  as 
part  of  the  garrison  at  Quebec. 

All  our  ships  had  now  arrived,  excejit  the  Ilarinony,  on  board  of 
which  was  Lieutenant  Colonel  8i)echt  and  part  of  the  regiment  Uied- 


J84 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  RELATING 


t'Sfl.  Investigation,  liowcvcr,  soon  reveulwl  tlic  fact  that  this  vessel 
had  arrived  at  Quebec  as  early  as  May  2itli,  and  had  been  ordered  to 
sail  to  Tliree  liivers  witli  the  rest  of  tlie  ships  tliat  had  arrived.  The 
trooi)s  on  hoard  of  tlie  Harmony  were,  tlicrefore,  tlie  onlj'  ones  of  all 
the  ISrunswiek  troojis  who  afterward  toolt  part  in  tlic  small  engage- 
ments of  the  8th  and  9th  of  June  near  Tliree  Rivers. 

During  the  night  of  the  1st  of  June,  all  the  ships  came  up  that  had 
lagged  behind  the  evening  previous.  The  fleet  whieh  we  met  at 
Quebec,  was,  including  ours,  very  numerous.  Besides  tlie  transports 
witli  troops  and  provisions  there  were  a  large  number  of  merchant 
vessels  detained  in  the  harbor  cm  account  of  tne  enlisting  troubles. 

Tlie  cily  of  Quebec,  wliicli  lies  for  the  most  part  on  a  high  moun- 
tain, is  not  what  it  once  was.  Tiie  entire  west  side  is  fortified,  but 
the  fortifications  are  in  a  dilapidated  state,  although  an  attempt  was 
made  last  winter  and  is  still  making,  to  put  them  somewliat  in  repair 
as  (iiiickly  as  possible.  We  found  on  the  walls  about  81  iron  cannons 
and  a  few  mortal's.  These  latter  had  been  brought  up  in  all  haste 
from  tlie  old  frigates,  in  case  thej'  should  be  needed  for  the  defense 
of  the  city.  Tlio  city  numbers  attlie  present  time  about  1,500  houses, 
having  lately  lost  500,  which  were  leveled  to  the  ground  by  the  orders 
of  Genera;  Carleton.' 

Being  ol)liged  to  go  every  noon  to  tlie  head  (jnarters  at  Quebec  to 
receive  our  orders,  I  found  an  opportunity  of  inspecting  tlie  memo- 
rable mountain  wliieh  tlie  Englisli  general.  Wolf,  ascended  in  Decem- 
ber, 1750,  after  his  capture  of  tlie  city,  and  when  he,  as  well  as  the 
Frcndi  general,  Alontcalm,  lost  his  life.  We  also  saw  the  spot  wliere 
tiie  reliel  leader,  Montgomery,  fell,  wlien  he  vainly  attempted  to  gain 
a  footing  at  the  close  of  last  year  witli  the  intention  of  driving  Ueneral 
Carleton  out  of  Quebec. 

On  the  3d,  tlie  frigate  Illoiuk  lell  Quebec  as  the  advance  guard  to 
Three  Rivers  and  ^Montreal. 

General  Carleton's  plan  for  the  capture  of  Alontreal  was  now 
arranged.  In  accordance  with  it  tlie  troops  were  lo  lie  distriliuted 
and  disemliarked  on  botli  lianks  of  tlie  St.  Linvreiice  in  tlie  following 
manner:  The  regiment  of  Prince  Frederick  and  tlie  dragocns,  as 
already  stated,  were  to  remain  as  a  garrison  for  Quebec  under  Lieu- 
tenant Colonel  Baum  who  was  made  commander  of  the  city.  This 
garrison  was  to  furnisli,  besides  the  jiost  in  the  city,  one  outiiost  ou 
the  opposite  bank  of  the  river  at  point  Levi,  to  consist  of  300  men 
under  a  staff  oflicer. 


'  Tills  was  (loiii!  by  Carlotoii,  because,  before  tlio  arrival  of  recnforcenu'iits  he 
had  not  siiftlcieut  troops  to  defend  so  larfjo  u  nimiber  of  houses. 


TO  a  EX.  maoA'sarti  campaign. 


285 


:Mnj<)r  General  Von  Rieclcsel  was  to  disembark  with  his  corps  on 
tlie  soutliorn  banli  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  marcli  parallel  with  tlie 
English  column  of  tlic  northern  siiore  of  tliat  river.  The  corps  of 
Riedesel  consisted  of  a  body  of  savages  and  Canadians;  the  regiment 
of  Colonel  McLean  (with  whieli  General  Carleton  Iiad  defended  the 
city  all  winter,  and  which  was  recently  formed  of  Scotclimen,  exiles 
and  Canadians)  tlie  grenadier  battalion,  and  the  regiments  Hiedesel 
and  Hesse  Ilanau.  Tlie  corps  of  Carleton,  under  command  of  Lieu- 
tenant General  Burgoyne,  and  consisting  of  tlie  9th,  20th,  31st,24tli, 
29lli,  ;jlst,  34lii,  47tli  and  02d  regiments,  and  the  whole  artillery 
imder  Major  General  Phillips,  were  to  disembark  on  the  northern 
bank  of  the  river,  and  march  directly  to  Three  Rivers  and  Montreal. 
Tlie  disembarking  of  all  the  troops  near  (Quebec  was  to  take 
place  on  the  8th  and  9th  of  June ;  but  the  dragoon  regiment  disem- 
barked as  early  as  tlie  Otli,  and  went  into  quarters  in  the  city.  Tlie 
same  course  would  have  been  pursued  with  the  regiment  Prince 
Frederick,  had  the  barracks,  which  were  designated  for  it,  been 
ready. 

On  the  morning  of  the  7tli,  the  horses  were  taken  out  of  the  sliip 
Mdi-thn,  and  sent  to  pasture  at  Beauport  to  pick  up.  Our  sick,  also, 
to  the  number  of  20  men,  were  taken  from  tlui  vessels,  and  placed  in 
the  hospital  at  Quebec. 

At  noon,  tlie  chiefs  of  the  wild  nations  — such  as  tlie  Abenakis, 
Iroquois,  Outawais  and  Ilurons  — were  admitted  to  an  interview 
with  General  Carleton.  He  had  them  all  clothed  in  their  costume, 
and  arms  given  tliem.  They  had  on  their  war  paint,  their  eyes' 
being  iiainted  red.  They  had,  also,  daubed  their  newly  received 
blankets  with  red  paint  to  show  that  they  were  ready  to  fight.  Some 
of  them  had  traveled  a  distance  of  4.'50  Englisli  miles. 

On  the  7th,  the  order  suddenly  came  that,  if  tlie  wind  were  favora- 
ble, the  anchors  should  be  weighed  at  four  in  the  atleriioon,  in  order 
to  gain  as  much  ground  as  possible  during  the  two  succeeding  days. 
Accordingly,  all  the  ships  .started  at  the  given  time,  and  cast  anchor 
once  more  at  Cape  Rouge,  a  distance  of  three  leagues  from  (Quebec. 

At  eight  o'clock  on  tlie  morning  of  June  8tli,  the  entire  fleet  again 
got  under  way.  On  both  Iwnks  there  was  the  most  pleasing  diversity 
of  beautiful  landscape  interspersed  with  many  neat  settlements.  AVe 
sailed  with  a  nortlieast  wind  about  nine  leagues,  and  cast  anchor  at 
two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  near  Cape  L'Oisseau.  Here  we  met, 
besides  flie  frigate  Triton  and  our  lihmk,  many  transports  with 
English  infantry. 

Major  General  Von  Riedesel  went  on  board  the  TviUm  in  the  hope 
of  obtaining  some  pilots,  as  he  was  anxious  to  iiroceed  with  his  eoriis. 


280 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  HELAT1N0 


Tlici-e  were  not,  however,  u  siifflcienl  number  for  all  the  ships ;  and 
we  were,  therefore,  obliged  to  remain  here  for  the  iircsent.  All  the 
vessels  hoisted  the  blue  Hag,  because  thai  was  the  color  of  Captain 
Lodwidge's  Hag,  and  he  was  an  older  captain  than  the  one  in  com- 
mand of  the  Blonde. 

At  ten  o'clock  on  the  morning  of  the  Oth,  the  entire  tlcet  again 
started  with  a  favorable  wind.  We  passed  the  heights  of  Decham- 
beault,  wliere  we  found  the  wreck  of  a  rebel  ship  which  had  stranded 
there  the  year  jH-evious. 

At  ten  in  the  evening,  we  had  the  Cape  de  la  ^ladelaine,  on  the 
northern  shore,  on  our  right,  and  Be<;ancourt,  on  the  soutliern  siiore, 
on  our  left.  Here  we  received  orders  to  cast  anchor,  having  made 
seventeen  leagues. 

At  noon  of  the  same  daj',  we  received  news  of  the  engagements  of 
the  8th  and  9th  near  Three  Rivers. 

On  the  morning  of  the  10th,  General  lliedesel  went  to  the  head- 
(luarlers  at  Three  Rivers,  General  Carleton  having  arrived  there 
the  evening  of  the  8tii  by  the  land  route.  It  was  then  ordered  that 
those  of  the  troops  who  had  been  disembarked  to  take  part  in  the 
engagement,  should  at  once  l)e  reembarked  and  proceed  with  the 
rest.  At  tlK'iJarole,  it  was  announced  that  his  majesty  had  appointed 
his  excellency.  Lieutenant  General  Carleton,  cai)tain  general  and 
governor  of  the  province  of  Quebec. 

It  was  also  annoimced  that  Generals  Burgoyne,  Uiedesel  and  Phillip.s, 
and  Lieutenant  Colonels  Beckwith,  Frazer,  Powell  and  Gordon  (these 
last  four  as  brigadier  generals)  were  to  serve  under  him  in  Canada, 
as  long  as  his  majesty  saw  fit. 

To  Brigadier  ticneral  Frazer,  first  of  all,  was  given  the  command 
of  all  those  troops  that  could  not  as  yet  be  disembarked,  viz:  the 
savages,  Canadians,  English  grenadiers,  the  companies  of  light  in- 
fantry of  all  the  English  regiments  in  Canada,  and  the  newly  formed 
English  regiment  McLean. 

The  left  wing  was  to  consist  of  all  the  Brunswick  regiments,  and 
the  regiment  Hesse  Ilanau,  under  the  connnand  of  .^[ajor  General 
Von  Riedesel ;  but  General  Burgoyne  was  to  command  both  wings. 

On  the  morning  of  the  11th,  we  advanced  with  our  ships  three 
leagues  to  Three  Rivers.  In  pursuance  of  orders,  the  prisoners, 
which  had  been  taken  on  the  8th  and  9th,  were  examined.  Most  of 
them  were  Germans  from  the  province  of  Pennsylvania.  Judging 
by  their  uniforms,  also,  thty  were  soldiers.  They  belonged  to  seven 
dilferent  regiment-:.  The  wounded  of  both  side?  had  been  carried  to 
the  convent  of  the  Ursulines,  where  these  benevolent  nuns  constantly 
keep  a  hospital,  and  take  very  good  care  of  the  sick. 


TO  UEN.  RIKDESEVS  VAMPAWX. 


287 


On  the  12tli,  we  had  contrary  winds  all  day,  obliging  us  to  remain 
at  anchor.  General  Carleton,  however,  wislied  tlie  army  — in  ac- 
cordance witli  the  general  plan  laid  down  —to  commence  opei'ations 
as  soon  as  possible.  Accordingly,  Kiedesel,  under  an  escort  of  an 
officer  and  thirty  men,  went  on  shore,  and  inspected  the  southern 
bank  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  in  the  vicinity  of  Kiviere  de  Godefroy, 
with  a  view  of  finding  a  suitable  spot  for  his  troops  to  encamp  on. 

He  returned  on  l)oard  tiie  BiUka  at  three  o'clock  on  the  morning  of 
the  13th,  and  went  thence  immediately  to  General  Carleton  at  Three 
Rivers  to  report  upon  the  condition  of  the  southern  shore.  Scarcely 
bad  he  entered  tlie  boat  for  tlie  purpose  of  crossing  over,  when  a 
splendid  breeze  sprang  up  ;  whereupon  tlic  signal  to  weigii  ancliors 
was  given.  General  Kiedesel,  theretbre,  I'eturned  on  boiird  the  P,ill,is 
after  we  M'cre  one  league  from  our  anchorage.  The  shi])  Elisabeth, 
from  which  the  escort  had  been  taken,  was  obliged  to  .send  for  it,  as 
well  as  for  Captain  Gerlach. 

AVe  entered  Lake  St.  Pierre  with  our  fleet  at  eight  o'clock,  but  the 
wind  died  away  so  toward  noon  that  we  were  again  forced  to  cast 
anchor.  The  ships  received  orders,  how  to  act  in  case  the  rebels 
should  attempt  any  hostile  movement.  The  guns  were  loaded,  strong 
guards  were  placed  on  the  decks,  and  the  men  were  ordercjd  to  iiail 
eacli  other  every  fifleen  minutes.  In  addition,  also,  to  this,  tlie  Ijoals 
of  tlie  frigates  were  obliged  to  patrol  around  the  ships  constantly, 
and  thus  keep  every  one  on  the  alert.  The  savages  and  also  the 
Cana<liaiis  patroled  continually  in  their  canoes  day  and  night  along 
both  banks  of  the  river.  General  Carleton  was  on  board  the  small 
sloop  of  war  Martin,  of  fourteen  guns,  under  Captain  Ilarway,  as 
large  frigates,  on  account  of  the  depth  of  water,  were  now  of  no 
further  use. 

On  the  14tli,  we  cautiously  continued  our  voyage  (prepared  to  dis- 
embark at  a  moment's  notice)  in  the  following  order:  First,  the 
sloop  of  war  irdidii  forming  the  tete.  Then  Came  1st,  the  ships 
having  on  board  the  English  light  infantry ;  3d,  a  few  with  the  Eng- 
lish light  artillery;  3d,  the  English  brigades;  4tli,  the  Brunswidi 
and  Hessian  troops;  5111,  the  sliijis  witli  the  2d  and  8d  English 
brigades ;  C,  those  with  the  Englisli  artillery  ;  and  lastly,  the  transports 
containing  the  provisions.  Many  canoes  filled  with  sasages  and 
Canadians  went  close  to  the  shores,  and  reported  from  time  to  time 
concerning  the  patrols  that  had  been  sent  ahead  in  the  woods.  On 
this  day,  Carleton  was  on  boanl  the  siiiall  frigate  liniixmui. 

The  same  morning  it  was  a.scerlained,  llirough  the  Canadian 
patrols,  that  the  corps  of  the  rebels— which  numbered  1,.')(X)  men, 
and  had  fortified  itself  at  Sorel—  had,  upon  seeing  our  ships,  evacu' 


T^^ 


288 


OFFICIAL  nocmiKNTs  helatino 


iited  that  position  tlie  day  previous,  and  fallen  baclt  to  Fort  Chanibly. 
Toward  evening  we  arrived  at  Sorel,  and  at  once  disembarked  a 
portion  of  the  Enj^lish  troops  (consisting  of  Frazer's  brigade),  to 
take  possession  of  tliis  post. 

On  the  morning  of  the  loth,  the  first  English  brigade,  with  a  part 
of  the  artillery,  were  also  landed  at  Sorel.  It  was  at  first  tlionght 
that  the  German  corps  wonld  likewise  be  disembarked  at  tliis  place, 
as  Captain  Gerlacli  was  obliged  to  land  on  the  southern  shore  early 
•  in  the  morning  in  order  to  look  at  the  place  designated  for  us.  Carle- 
ton,  however,  changed  his  mind  on  this  point,  and  our  disembarkation 
was  again  postponed.  We  sailed  on  this  day  a  few  thousand  paces 
beyond  Sorel,  and  cast  anchor.  According  to  Carletoii's  orders  the 
German  troops  were  again  to  be  the  cne-stick.' 

On  the  Kith  it  was  ascertained  that  the  enemy  acted  as  if  he  also 
intended  to  evacuate  Fort  Chaml)ly.  At  three  o'clock,  in  the  after- 
noon. Captain  Von  Tunderf'eld,'  was  sent  on  board  the  Pdlhts,  with 
orders  that  all  the  troops  should  be  disembarked  and  furnished  with 
four  days'  rations.  The  ciuu'ch  in  the  parish  of  Bcrgeres  was  desig- 
nated as  the  rendezvous  for  all  the  troops  that  should  land  on  the 
southern  shore.  They  were  to  nnu'ch  there  by  companies.  In  fact, 
all  were  landed  on  the  south  bank,  with  the  exception  of  the  29th 
Regiment,  which  —  upon  Carleton  learning  that  Montreal  had  been 
evacuated  by  the  enemy  —  was  ordered  to  do  garrison  duty,  for  the 
present,  in  tliat  city  and  vicinity. 

Tiie  disembarking  of  the  troops  progressed  very  slowly,  owing  to 
the  fact  that  only  the  ships'  boats  could  be  used  for  that  purpose,  the 
other  boats  and  bateaux,  although  promised  us,  not  having  ar- 
rived, and  it  being  impossible  to  procure  others  at  so  short  notice. 
It  was,  therefore,  six  o'clock  r.  m.  before  all  the  troo[)s  were  on 
shore. 

At  first,  the  march  —  for  troops  who  had  been  on  board  the  vessel 
so  long  —  was  very  fatiguing.  Nor  was  it  rendered  easier  by  the 
heavy  rain  wliich  fell  during  the  whole  of  the  night's  march.  The 
men  had  to  carry  their  blankets,  the  weight  of  which  grew  heavier 
every  moment  by  the  rain.  Tiiey  marched  through  the  parishes  of 
La  Tour  and  Centre  Cirur,  and  thence  to  Boi'geres,  a  distance  of 
seven  good  leagues.  General  Riedesel  reached  thu  latter  parish 
during  the  night,  where  he  found  that  Carleton  had  arrived  in  the 
evening.  Here  tlie  German  troops  were  quartered  ;  and  spent  their 
first  night  on  American  soil. 


'  Not  clear.—  Translator. 

"  I'arlctoii  had  nHiiuwIort  to  have  TiuulcrrcUl  for  his  adjutant. 


TO  GEN.  lilEDESEVti  VAMI'AIO.W 


289 


TUK  UNSUCCESSFUL  ATTKMPT  OF  THE  AMERICANS  NEAR  THREE 
RIVERS,  JUNE  OTII,  t'Tfi. 

lExtract  from  ItiedeseVs  Journal.] 

The  rebels,  wlio  still  numbered  at  that  time  5,000  men,  had  at  first 
resolved  to  make  a  stand  at  Three  Itivers;  but  the  arrival  of  the  first 
small  reenforcements  of  the  English,  leading  them  to  expect  that 
more  were  to  follow,  so  frightened  them,  that  they  dared  not  retain 
their  position,  but  fell  back  to  iMontreal  and  the  south  side  of  the 
river. 

Neither  Generals  Carleton  nor  Burgoyne  were  able  to  pursue  the 
enemy  any  further  with  the  small  number  of  men  with  which  they 
had  hitherto  opposed  the  enemy.  They  determined,  therefore,  to 
wait  until  their  reenforcements  should  conie  up ;  and,  accordingly, 
Burgoyne  ordered  those  of  our  troops  who  had  arrived  in  the  vicinity 
of  Three  Rivers  to  remain  there  under  the  command  of  Brigadier 
General  Fia/er. 

Frazer  himself  was  in  the  city,  and  had  no  otfler  troops  on  shore, 
except  a  small  liody  of  In<lians,  a  few  (,'anadiau  volunteers,  a  part  of 
McLean's  regiment,  and  a  small  detachment  of  English  troops  that 
had  been  taken  from  the  ships  at  Tiirec  Rivers  for  the  purpose  of 
strengthening  his  post. 

Meanwhile,  thr  rebels  having  learned  from  some  disloyal  Cana- 
dians in  that  region,  that  Frazer  was  on  land  with  only  iJOO  men, 
resolved  to  surprise  him.  Accordingly,  a  corps  of  1,500  rebels  was 
sent  across  the  river  from  Sorel,  witli  the  design  of  going  around 
Frazer,  and  getting  in  the  rear  of  Three  Rivers  from  Lcs  Forges.  It 
is  believed  that  tliis  attempt  of  the  rebels  would  have  been  successful, 
hart  not  the  guide,  who  conducted  them  through  the  woods,  l)een  a 
good  royalist.  He  was  cute  enough  to  lead  tl'ie  rebel  coriis  over  a 
circuitous  road,  tiuis  enabling  Frazer  not  only  to  be  on  his  guard, 
but  to  rally  all  the  troops  from  the  ships  aiul  give  the  enemy  a  hearty 
welcome.  He  went  out  to  meet  hiui  on  the  road  to  Montreal,  and 
soon  came  in  sight  of  his  coluiiui.  Frazer,  thereupon,  ordered  a  halt, 
and  had  one  of  the  English  regiments  lie  down  on  a  gentle  rise  of 
ground,  and  pour  ui)()n  the  enemy,  who  suspected  nothing,  a  well 
directed  and  spirited  fire.  The  Americans,  astonished  at"such  an 
unexpected  welcome,  turned  in  dismay  and  lied  toward  their  bateaux. 
The  iH'igadier,  however,  pursued  and  scattered  them  so  effecluallyi 
that  his  men  had  work  enough  for  a  day  and  a  half  in  ferreting  the 
rascals  out  of  their  hiding  places  into  wliidi  they  had  crept.  'I'wo 
hundred  of  them  were  cai)tur(;d,  and  among  them  their  leader,  a 
certain  Thomson,  who  represents  a  so-called  general.    Besides  him. 


290 


OFFICIAL  JJOC'VMKXT.S  RELAriNO 


ii  lieutenant  colonel,  four  ofllcers  and  a  surj^eon  were  taken.  On  our 
Hide,  eight  were  killed,  two  dangerously,  and  nine  sliglitlj-  woiuuled. 
The  troops  of  the  regiment  Hiedeael,  who  were  on  board  the  ship 
J  fur  moil!/,  formed  tlie  reserve.  The  spot  wliere  this  atfair  took  place, 
is  lietween  Three  Rivers  and  La  IJaulic'U,  or  the  field  on  the  heights  of 
Three  Uivers. 


OKDEU  OF  GENERAL  CARLETON  IN  REGARD  TO  THE  MILITIA  OF  THE 
PROVINCE  OF  QrEHEC.i 

1st,  All  private  persons  from  the  sixteenth  to  the  si.xtieth  year  shall 
1)0  obliged  to  serve  In  their  parishes ;  and  in  case  of  noneonipliance, 
every  one  shall  be  lined  live  pounds  sterling,  the  loss  of  his  gun,  or 
may  be  punished  by  arrest  according  to  circumstances. 

2d.  Each  militia  man,  who,  by  bad  condtict,  renders  himself  un- 
worthy of  the  honor  of  serving  in  this  corps,  shall  never  be  allowed 
to  curry  firearms.  Those,  also,  who  refuse  to  be  mustered  in  sliall 
be  punished  in  the  same  manner  as  the  last  named  class,  and  shall, 
moreover,  be  compelled  to  perform  double  duty  in  teaming  and  other 
work  for  one  j-ear,  or  until  they  shall  have  su1)mitted  to  their  militia 
captain  in  the  presence  of-  the  oldest  and  most  respectable  citizens 
of  the  parish.  Tliis  shall  always  be  done  on  Sunday  after  i)ul)lic 
worship. 

;5d.  Till!  captains  of  militia  shall  send  every  year  to  their  superior 
ofllcers  and  the  inspectors  a  report  of  the  number  of  their  subaltern 
officers  and  militia  men  able  to  serve. 

4th.  Each  militia  man,  who  changes  his  residence,  shall  report  it 
to  his  captain. 

5111.  The  captains  or  other  militia  officers  shall  rally  their  com- 
panies on  the  last  two  Sundays  in  June,  or  the  first  two  in  July. 
Tiiey  shall  also  examine  their  arms,  and  have  them  fire  at  a  target, 
not  forgetting  to  instruct  them  on  such  occasions  in  regard  to  the 
service.  The  colonels  of  the  militia  and  the  inspectors  shall  hold  a 
review  once  a  year. 

(ith.  Tlie  governor  shall  select  a  certain  number  of  militia  men  in 
time  of  war,  who,  in  pursuance  of  his  orders,  shall  be  obliged  to 


■  This  orclor  went  into  force  at  tlic  Iicginnhig  of  tlic  year  1777,  sinuiltaiieonsly 
witli  nuother  one  in  regard  to  llie  adminiHlration  of  jnnliee.  Cnrlelon  divided  the 
provineo  of  Queliec  into  two  dii-trietei.  One  extended  from  tlie  city  to  the  Godc- 
froy  river  on  the  fonth  side,  and  the  Alanrico  river  on  the  north  t^ide  of  the  St. 
Lawrence,  between  Cai)e  Madelaine  and  Three  River!".  Tlie  other,  or  fccoiid 
district,  included  the  territory  lying  l)etween  Montreal  and  the  above  meutioued 
(■mull  rivers.    This  order  was.  for  tlie  present,  to  bo  in  force  for  only  two  years. 


TO  aUX.  lllEDESEVa  C'AMPAIGX. 


291 


march  when  lie  thinks  It  lulvisiible,  and  who  sliall  serve  in  connection 
with  tiie  royal  troops,  but  only  as  militia  men  under  royal  odlcers 
appointed  by  the  governor.  At  tlie  expiration  of  a  year,  these  militia 
men  shall  be  relieved  by  others. 

7th.  Every  inhabitant,  who  is  above  si.x'ty  years  old  and  keei)s  a 
man  servant,  or  owns  real  estate  and  a  team,  shall  be  obliged  to  serve 
when  necessary  in  the  transportation  of  supplies  for  the  army. 

8th.  The  captains  of  militia  shall  constantly  keep  an  eye  on  all 
deserters,  whether  soldiers,  sailors,  vagabonds,  spies,  and  other  suspi- 
cious ])ersons,  and  arrest  all  such. 

!)tli.  Those  persons  who  arc  exempted  from  performing  military 
duty  are  ;  1st,  councilmen,  judges,  and  other  public  civil  olllcers.  2d, 
gentlemen  who  are  called  primitk,  and  also  the  lower  nobility,  who 
were  acknowledged  as  such  before  the  country  was  conqiu-red.  3d, 
officers  who  are  on  half  jiay  or  disbanded.  4th,  all  persons  belonging 
to  the  clergy  ;  and  5th,  the  students  of  the  two  seminaries  at  Quel)ec 
and  jVLontreal,  and  likewise,  all  persons  who  are  employed  in  useful 
public  business. 


ADDRESS  OF  JOHN  BURGOYNE, 

Lieutenant  General  of  the  armies  of  Ms  Majesty  in  America  ;  Colonel  of 
the  Queen's  rerjiment  rf  IJf/ht  Braf/oons  ;  Qovenwr  of  Fort  William 
in  Xorth  Britain;  Member  of  the  iMicer  House  of  Great  Britain; 
Commander  of  an  arm//  and  a  fleet  on  the  Expedition  from  Canada, 
etc.,  etc. 

The  troops  iulrusled  to  my  conuuand  are  desigiuul  to  act  in  union 
and  complete  accord  with  the  numerous  armies  and  Ih^ets  which  have 
already  disseminated,  in  every  part  of  America,  the  power,  the  jus- 
tice and  —  when  properly  .solicited  —  the  mercy  of  the  king. 

The  cause  for  wiiich  Rritish  arms  are  now  so  actively  engaged, 
is  of  the  deepest  interest  to  the  human  heart ;  and  the  troops  of  the 
crown,  at  first  called  together  for  the  sole  purpose  of  preserving 
intact  the  rights  of  tiie  constitution,  now  unite  to  the  love  of  their 
country  and  tlieir  duly  to  their  ruler,  those  broad  principles  which 
spring  from  a  proper  appreciation  of  the  rights  of  man.  The  sad 
question  appeals  directly  to  the  eyes  and  cars  of  the  moderate  portion 
of  the  people,  and  the  hearts  of  the  thousands  who  suffer  in  the 
provinces,  viz  ;  Has  not  the  present  unnatural  revolt  been  made  the 
foundation  of  a  complete  system  of  tyranny,  which  God,  in  his  dis- 
pleasure, has  always  allowed  to  be  exercised  for  a  time,  on  a  self-willed 
and  stubborn  generation  'i 


nr^ 


'2!)2 


OFFICIAL   DOiU'MEMTS  ItHI.ATl.SO 


Sclt'-clioscn  iiiciirccriition,  (•onliHralion  ol'propcrlj.iK'rscctitlon  nnd 
inarlyrdoin,  such  us  Ims  not  Iktii  I'xiicricnccd  in  (licintiviisition  ot'tlio 
lioniisli  cliurc'li,  iiru  n  i)iirt  of  Die  oju'ii  oiitriiijes  wliicli  fonflnn  tlio 
truth  of  tliis  sliiti'nicnt.  All  thi'sc  iiir  i)rnctice(l  on  the  sulijects  hy  con- 
Vfntions  and  coniinlttdcs  (who  dare  to  call  thenisulves  the  "  friends 
of  liberty," )  without  regard  to  aj;e  or  sex,  not  on  account  of  crime,  but 
because  they  are  suspected  of  loyalty  to  the  government  under  which 
they  were  born,  audio  which  they  owe  allegiance  by  every  tic  of  God 
and  man.^  And  to  crown  this  outrageous  conduct,  the  desecratitm  of 
religion  is  added  to  the  most  wicked  abuse  of  a  sound  human  intellect. 
The  conscience  of  man  is  considered  of  no  aceo\mt ;  and  the  masses 
are  Ibrced  not  only  to  take  up  arms,  but  to  swear  allegiance. 

In  consideration  of  this,  at  the  head  of  trcjops  who  are  in  full 
health,  diKcipline  and  bravery,  resolved  to  punish  when  necessary, 
and  to  spare  when  it  is  possible,  1  call  upon  and  exhort  all  perscms, 
wherever  my  army  goes  —  and  with  God's  blessing,  it  will  go  a  great 
ways  —  to  manifest  such  coiuluet  as  shall  justify  me  in  sparing  their 
lands,  their  houses,  and  their  families.  The  object  of  this  address  is 
not  to  bring  rapine  ui)on  this  land,  but  to  offer  it  protection. 

To  those  who,  by  courage  and  braverj',  feel  themselves  called  upon 
to  i)arlicipate  in  the  glorious  work  of  liberating  their  country  from 
bondage,  and  of  recovering  the  blessings  of  a  moderate  government, 
I  otter  encotn'agenient  and  employment,  and  will  find  the  means  of 
supporting  their  actions  as  soon  as  intelligence  of  their  having  united 
themselves  to  us  has  reached  nu',  The  diligent,  the  sturdy,  the 
weak,  and  even  the  timid,  1  desire  to  aid,  providing  they  remain 
(piietly  in  their  homes,  do  not  drive  awaytlieir  cattle,  hide  or  destroy 
their  grain  or  feed,  do  not  destroy  the  bridges  nor  the  roads,  nor,  by 
other  actions,  directly  or  indirectly,  impede  the  movements  of  tlio 
royal  troo])s,  or  seek  to  support  or  help  those  of  the  enemy. 

All  kinds  of  provisions,  that  may  be  brought  into  my  camp,  shall 
be  paid  for  in  ca«h  at  a  reasonable  rate,  and  in  good  coin. 

Considerations  of  Christianity,  the  mercy  of  \\\y  royal  master,  and 
the  luMior  of  the  military  calling,  have  caused  me  to  lengthen  this 
address,  and  1  only  wish  that  I  possessed  more  forcible  language  to 
give  it  greater  weight.  !May  the  people  to  whom  it  is  addressed 
not  reject  it  on  account  of  the  distance  of  my  camp.  I  have  but 
to  let  loose  the  Indians  under  my  command  (who  number  thousands) 
to  reach  the  foes  of  Great  Britain  and  America,  wherever  they  may 
be  concealed,  for  1  consider  them  one  and  the  same. 

If,  in  spite  of  the.se  exertions,  and  honest  endeavors  to  carrj'  them 
out,  the  madness  of  hostility  should  still  continue,  then  I  hope  to 
stand  justified  in  the  sight  of  God  and  man  in  pronouncing  and  cxe- 


TO  r,7-;.V.  ItlKDKSKL'S  CA.MIWKl .\. 


2t);i 


ciitin^r  the  vciigciinco  ot  tlic  state  on  the  stuliborn  reprolwHes.  The 
messeiiprsdfjiislioe  and  anger  expect  them  on  thel)atll(-flehl ;  whWv 
deHolation,  famine,  and  all  the  terrors  eonneeted  with  il,  must  he  their 
portion,  which,  althongh  it  may  come  slowly,  in  the  unavoidable 
t'xeeulion  of  military  duly,  must  inevitably  cut  olf  tlie  way  for  their 
return.' 

In  camp  at ,1777, 

By  order  of  his  Excellency  the  Lieutenant  (Jeneral. 

RoHKirr  KiNoHTON,  Secretary, 


DESCRIPTION  OP  TICONUEROUA  AM)  THK  KOUTS  HOUTII  OF  IT  AT 
THE  TIME  OF  TIIEIU  OCCIPATION  BY  THE  AMBKICANS  IN  TUB 
YEAU  ITTT.'J 

[From  tho  Journal.] 

The  following  items,  which  could  not  be  added  to  the  diary, 
Avhen  it  was  sent  to  Germany,  will  show  tlie  coiulition  of  Ticondc- 
roga,  and  the  other  forts  previous  to  the  connnencement  of  this 
year's  cai..paign.  They  arc  taken  from  the  memorials  of  Major 
Kingston,  adjutant  general  of  General  Burgoyne,  and  extends  to 
May  13th,  1770. 

I. — Fort  Uitrillon. 
In  this  are  eight  eighleen-pounder  gnns  in  double  fortified  works. 
It  is  surrounded  on  the  north  side  by  palisades  in  front  of,  and  sur- 
rounding which  is  an  abatis.    Between  this  fort  and  the  old  French 
redoubt  a  new  log-house  (block  house)  has  been  built. 

II.— 77/e  old  French  UedouM. 
This  is  about  two  hundred  rods  east  of  the  fort,  and  is  mounted 
with  six  cannons,  four  of  whicli  are  nine-pouii(l(Ts  and  two  twelve- 
pounders.    This  redoubt  has  been  rei)aired  (its  old  shape  being  pre- 
served), and  Is  also  surrounded  by  an  abatis. 


1  This  manifesto,  'vtilcli  was  printed  ami  (listril)iitoii  anions,'  the  inliul)itaiits  of 
tile  rebellious  provinces  as  widely  as  possible,  was  composed  l)y  Burgoyne  liimsolf. 
lie  was,  as  lias  been  already  remarked,  a  bel  espril,  uiui  it  is  therefore  I'lill  of  super- 
nuons  and  high  flown  jjlirases,  wliich  very  lilicly  excited  more  of  ii  smile  than 
terror  on  the  ])art  of  the  inlml)ilants.  The  name  of  the  place,  as  well  as  the  date  of 
tills  proclamation,  was  omitted  for  the  reason  that  it  was  issued  at  different  places, 
and  on  separate  days. 

''  This  portion  of  the  appcndi.\  is  an  invninable  contribution  to  our  Kevnintlonary 
iilstory,  and  will  doubtless  be  read  with  intense  interest.—  Traiulalor. 


294 


OFFlCl.XL  ItOClMN.STs  ItHI.ATIMl 


ll\.— Till  olil  Friiir/i  line». 

Tlu'w  Imvc  liilcly  liocii  Komiiwlmt  rcimii'cil,  liiit  arc  iitit  mmiiiU'd. 
The  palisiulcH  Imvc  iilno  not  hccii  rcpiiircd. 

IV. —  T/ii!  Fiir  l{iifiiulit»  iii'iir  Ihr  nfmn: 

TIk'H(!  arc  silnatcd  in  a  nortlicaslcrly  (lii'cction  I'roin  tlin  fori  al  tlio 
foot  of  a  hill.    Tlicy  have  not  been  r('i)ali'('(l. 

N.n. —  (In  tlu^  i:itli  of  May,  tlii!  ncww  rfacliiul  us,  that  the  robolH 
Wdre  aliout  rcpaliiii.n',  and  |)lai'inir  cannons  upon  tlicni,  liul  as  yet,  it 
Is  unknown  of  what  calibre  llicy  are  to  be.  It  has  been  said,  however, 
that  th(^y  may  be  two  cij,ditccn-pounders  and  a  few  twelve-pounders 
that  arc  expected  about  October. 

All  these  redoubts,  as  well  as  the  lines,  are  poorly  numned. 

V. —  /'"/'/  (}foiint)  Iiiilcju'iultnir. 

(a.)  North  of  the  mountain  is  a  stronj;  abatis  where  twelve 
cannons  are  posti'd ;  one  of  which  is  a  thirty-two-i)ounder,  and  the 
rest  are  eighteen  and  twelve-pounders.  All  of  the  works  are 
surrounded  by  a  stronj;  abatis. 

{/).)  One  hundred  yards  from  the  works  are  smaller  fortifications,  in 
which  three  cijjhtecn-pounders  and  three  twenly-four-pounders  are 
jilaced. 

(c.)  Houth  of  these  works  are  barracks  and  palisades;  and  in  front 
of  them  is  anollier  abatis.  In  the  rear  of  the  former  are  eight  nine- 
pounders.  Besides  these,  there  arc  twelve  more  nine  and  twelve- 
pounders,  designed  for  the  defense  of  the  barracks.  These,  however, 
are  not  jet  mounted. 

N.H.—  According  to  late  news,  twenty  cannons  have  been  taken  to 
a  batter}',  in  a  northerly  direction,  at  the  foot  of  the  fort,  with  a  view 
of  commanding  the  lake.    These  are  twelve-and  eightecii-poundcrs. 

{(I.)  There  arc  a  few  cannons  on  the  half-moon  battery,  which  defend 
en  barhi'tte. 

(('.)  There  are  about  one  hundred  iron  cannons  on  the  ships  near 
Carillon;  but  there  are  no  mortars  whatever.  These  iron  cannons 
are  mostly  old  ones. 

Pdrticuliirn. 
The  number  of  troops,  at  present  in  Carillon  and  near  Mount 
Independence,  does  not  exceed  !,;!()()  men;  but  reenforceuK^its 
amounting  to  fifteen  regiments,  are  liourly  expected.  There  is 
an  abundance  of  i)rovi8ions.  No  preparations  have  been  nuule 
to  build  new  ships.    Tlie  vessels  of  the  enemy  consist  of  a  rowing 


TO  f/K.v.  uih:i>Ksh:i:s  vami>aiii\. 


•20r) 


vcHscl,  ivii  old  sloop,  1111(1  two  two-nmslcrH,  The  troopM  from  New 
Eiijflaiul  iirrlvc  diilly  In  t'ronl  of  No.  4. 

N.U.— IiildliiiTiicc,  MS  lute  as  Miiy  Kllli,  slates,  that  llicrc  arc  at 
Tl('oii(lcro,u:a  (iiichidhi^-  the  hiliori'i-s),  !>,H(in  iiicn.  Their  ehlel'  lnisi- 
liess  at  that  lliiie  coiiHisled  in  eanlooiiliij;  and  in  eonstnicliiiK  a 
bridjfo,  the  t'oiindalion  of  wliieli  was  laid  In  the  winter  by  the  icliels. 
This  fonndalloii  consisls  of  lietween  forty  and  fitly  siinlten  lioxes, 
filled  Willi  stones,  and  laid  at  a  dlstanee  of  liHy  feet  from  caeh  other. 
It  is  thought,  tliat  fills  liridije  cannot  he  tinislicd  even  in  two 
months,  from  the  14th  of  May.  It  is  to  serve  as  a  conneetion 
between  Mount  Independence  and  Fort  Carrilloii,  and  is  to  cover  the 
retreat  In  case  (me  of  liiose  posts  should  be  captured.  Tlie  turnpilies 
are  north  of  tlie  bridi^e,  hut  tlie  sldps  soulli,  in  order  to  del'eiid  it. 
Close  be! -  (^  tliis  lirid.uc  is  anollier  and  smaller  one,  whicli  is  only 
five  feet  widtii.  It  is  desijitned  for  pedestrians,  and  is  lietween  the 
store  houses  and  Mount  Independence. 

The  reliels  have  lately  received  150  Ions  of  powder.  This  has 
been  the  whole  supi)ly  the  entire  winter.  They  have  also  received 
four  tbur-poimders,  whieli  were  made  at  ('anibri(lj;(',  near  Boston.  A 
great  supply  of  muskets  lias,  liiiinvise,  arrived  from  the  West  India 
islands.  A  French  engineer  oflleer  has  lately  reached  tlie  rebel 
army,  and  was  appointed  engineer-in  chief ' 

Fort  S/triiiHhori'iii/Ji. 
Tlie  jrarrison  liere  consists  of  about  80  men.     No  preparations, 
whatever,  have  been  made  at  this  post  for  sliip-buildin^'.    There  are 
barracks  hero,  surrounded  by  palisades,  in  which  provisions  and  ii 
larj^e  (luantity  of  war  material  an;  stored. 

Fi>rt  A II  lie. 
Is  garrisoned  by  about  thirty  men,  and  has  a  barrack    with  pa- 
lisades. 

Fori  (iiorffc.'' 

1st.  The  citadel  has  only  recently  been  repaired  and  provided  with 
two  nincvpoimders.  It  contains,  also,  twelve  cannons,  which  are  not 
yet  mounted.    Barracks  for  1,000  men  lie  twenty  yards  east  of  it. 

2d.  Close  to  the  shore  is  a  large  magazine  in  which  there  is  an 
abundance  of  provisions. 


'  Ko9ciii8l{o,  tlii^  Pole  t—  TmnsUitnr. 

•'  Fort  EUwarU  in  the  oria;liml ;  but,  as  the  well  inforined  reader  will  koc.  this  Is 
prohiihly  a  typofiraphitnl  error,  as  Fort  (ioorjjc.  ut  the  liead  of  f.ake  Oeoisc  is  or 
course  the  fort  here  i\tiiicr\hc(l.—  Traiinlatoi: 


ir^t 


290 


Ot'FUlAL  IIOCI^MKSTS  ItKhATISO 


;i(1.  To  tlic  wt'sl  of  this  iniignziiif,  wluTc  Fort  Williiim  Henry 
IbriiU'rly  stood,  is  tlio  liirjjc  iiospita),  a  liuiidin;;  of  grent  (liincnsioiis, 
imil  usi'il  tor  the  sick  irom  Fort  Carriilon.  Ti'iis  is  said  to  lie  sur- 
rounded liy  palisades,  and  to  have  a  small  redoubt  on  the  hill  south 
of  it.'  A  stronji'  f^uard  is  [uisted  hen-  every  nij^ht.  The  rebels  at 
Fort  Oeorjtte  are  very  busy  in  cutting  down  trees  and  carrying  them 
to  the  shore  to  be  used  in  the  construction  of  six  strong  vessels  on  the 
lake.  A  so-called  Conunodore  Wynkooj),  is  .said  to  be  still  in  com- 
mand at  this  post;  oidy  oiu'  regiment,  it  is  further  said,  remains  here 
during  summer;  but  as  yet  there  are  only  400  men  there.  There  is 
also  considerable  scarcity  in  ammunition. 


A  LIST  Ol'"  TllK  CO.MMANDKHS,  OlllEP  AND  STAl''!''  OKKU'EHS  Oh'  THE 
HESSIAN  l{i;(ilMi:NTS  WHO  I'OlCillT  IN  AMEUIC'A,  AT  THE  TIME  OF 
TIli:iU  DEl'AHTL'KE  FUO.M  ELUDl'E  IN  177(1. 

?'//('  (liriuidicr  li'ittaUon. 

1.  Lieutenant  Colonel  Von  liinsing,     .        .        .  1  IJattalion. 

-'.  •'  "  niock 2 

;>.  "  "  Miningerode,      .        .  'A        " 

4.  "  "  Kohler,  ...  4 


Ueginient. 


The  Infantry  lieniimni. 
Colonel  V^on  Lossberg,        .... 

"  Wunnb, " 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Von  Linsing  in  command  of  a  grenadier 

battalion, Body  Infantry  Regiment. 

Major  Von  Wuvmb,        .        •        •        "  "  " 

>[aJor  Oeneral  Stein, Erbprinee. 

Colonel  N'on  llachenlu'rg,      .        .        .        .        •  " 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Von  Kochenhausen,  who  also 

acted  as  ([uarler  master  general,    ....  " 

3IaJor  Von  Fuchs, " 

Major  (ieneral  Schmidt,    .        .        •        •        .      Prince  Carl. 

Colonel  Sehreiber, " 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Von  Lengorke,   ...  " 

Major  Von  LOwenstein,         .        .        .         •         •  " 

Colonel  Von  Kospoth,                      .        .  '     .        ^Vutgenau. 
Lieutenant  Colonel  Von  Itomrod,         ...  " 

Major  Von  [laiistein " 


Tlio  ruumliiH  of  tliix  ii'doiiln,  wliicli  aro  «tlU  to  bo  si'i'ii,  lii'iu's  tlie  iiamo  ul'  l-'oit 
tingo.—  Translutoi-. 


( 


ro  (IKS.  niKDESBVS  CAM  I'M  UN. 


297 


1. 
3. 
3. 
4. 
1. 
2. 
8. 
1. 
3. 
3. 
1. 
3. 
8. 
4. 
1. 
3. 
8. 

4. 
1. 
3. 
3. 
4. 
1. 
3. 

3. 
4. 
1. 

o 

8. 
4. 
1. 
3. 
3. 
1. 
3. 
3. 
1. 


Colimel  Von  Host- Ditfurlli. 

Liculi'imnt  ("oloni'l  Von  Scliulcr,      ....  " 

Miijor  Von  JJorke, " 

Aliijor  chi  I'lij',  tried  its  Hrigade  ^>riijor,  ...  " 

Colonel  Von  Uosen, Donop. 

Lieuleniint  Colonel  ileimel " 

Major  lliiitlie, " 

Colonel  Von  lleeringen, Lossberg. 

Lienteniinl  Colonel  Scliaell'er,  ....  " 

Major  Von  Hanstein, " 

Lientenant  (jeneral  Von  Kniphaiisen,    .        .        Knipliausen. 

C/'olonel  Von  Uorke, " 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Von  Miiniin.!;;ero(le,         .        .  " 

Major  Von  Deelilow, " 

Maj.  Gen.  VonTrinibauh  (remained in  llieeoniitrj),'  Triinliach. 

Colonel  Von  Hischliansen ".  " 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Block  conunanded  a  j,rrena- 

dier  battalion, " 

^lajor  Von  Milneliliaiisen, " 

.Alajor  Von  Mirbaeh, Mirbacli. 

(■olonel  Vo/i  Lose, " 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Von  !^(  liieck,      .        .        .        .        " 

Maj(U-  Hiesenroth, " 

Colonel  Hall, Rail. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Kolder  eomnituided  the  battalion 

of  grenadiers, » 

Lieutenant  Colonel  IJretlianer, " 

Major  Maelii'ius, " 

Colonel  V^on  Seilz, Stirn. 

liieutenant  Colonel  Sehleninier,     ....." 
"       Von  St^hrcyrogel,      .        .        .        .    " 

iMajor  Creitr, " 

Colonel  Von  Horn Wiessenbaeli. 

Lieutenant  ('olonel  Lauge,    ....  " 

Afajor  Sebaeller, " 

Colonri  Von  lluyne, Ili.yne. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Kurtz, " 

Major  Ilildebnindl, " 

Colonel  Von  Hmiaii IJiinau. 

Lieutenant  Colonel  Von  Borbeok,       .... 
Major  Mat  liiaii, "  » 


'  1. 1!.,  Ill  Auiorlca. 


Tninxhitoi: 

.'18 


/ 


w^^ 


20H 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMENTS  liELATlNO 


LETTER  FROM  A  BRirNSWICK  OFFICER  TO  A  FRIEND  IN  BRITNSWICK 
ILLUSTRATING  AFFAIRS  IN  CANADA  AT  THAT  TIME. 

(irKiiKC,  October  27, 177(1. 

This  will  probably  be' the  last  letter  that  I  will  be  able  to  sentl  you 
during  this  year.  Lieut.  Haynes,  formerly  the  agent  of  our  squadron, 
is  kind  enough  to  carry  it  Avith  him  to  London,  to  which  place  he 
will  sail  to-morrow  in  the  Pallas — all  of  the  ships  leaving  here  at  that 
time  to  avoid  being  blocked  up  the  ice.  I  hope  that  all  of  my  letters 
have  safely  reached  you,  though  I  have  not  received  a  single  answer 
to  any  of  them.  We  are  all,  however,  in  the  same  tix,  and  no  one  can 
explain  the  reason,  when  so  many  ships  are  constantlj'  ari'iving. 

The  army  is  going'  into  winter  ciuarters.  We  will  be  (luartered 
between  Trois  Rivieres  and  Chambly.  ^Major  Geuen.l  Kiedesel  takes 
(juarters  in  Trois  llivieres,  and  Colonel  Specht  in  Chambly.  We  are 
furnislied  for  winter  with  long  pants,  gloves  and  overcoats,  and  I 
guess,  perhaps,  that  we  are  to  have  a  winter  campaign.  I  know  the 
cost  of  such  expeditions. 

You  probablj'  have  learned  from  the  newspapers  of  the  great 
advantages  gained  by  our  armies.  The  lake '  is  free :  Fort  Frederick 
is  in  our  possession;  and  the  flotilla  of  the  rebels  is  ruined,  with  very 
little  loss  on  our  side.  Tlie  Brunswick  troops  liave  not  been  engaged  ; 
consequently  there  is  no  loss  and  no  advancement  tc  be  hoped  for. 
We  receive  no  newspapers  from  Europe;  and  as  our  letters  al.so  fail 
to  arrive,  we  are  all  in  the  dark  respecting  the  political  situation. 
Please  give  us  some  light  upon  it,  if  possible.  IJumors  are  current 
here  of  a  war  between  Spain  and  Portugal,  but  they  are  onlj*  rumors. 

Thus  we  march  further  up  into  the  country.  But  you  may  ask, 
what  saj'  the  belles  of  Quebec  to  itV  3Iy  dear  friend,  this  goes  to 
my  heart,  and  I  nuict  say  I  dread  the  departure !  IIow  many  parties 
liiive  been  arranged,  but  arc  now  to  be  given  up !  Nevertheless,  the 
order  for  a  marcli  at  once,  transforms  the  heart  of  a  soldier  into  stone, 
and  hardens  it  like  steel.  Instead  of  the  fair  sex,  we  nuist  now 
hunt  the  bear,  the  moose  and  the  caribou !  The  one  is  in  direct 
opposiliim  to  (he  other,  but  what  can  a  poor  fellow  do !  Fiat  eotiiiiUtu 
Ddwini  is  the  motto  of  a  soldier. 

We  have  to  make  the  march  on  land,  which  will  not  be  very 
pleasing.  The  weather  begins  to  be  rough  ;  the  roads  are  shocking, 
and  our  winter  equipment  is  not  wholly  completed. 


'  Champlain. 


TO  a  UN.  niEDESEVS  CAMI'AHfN. 


2!)9 


I  have  not  lieiird  lately  from  Auton,  but  trust  he  is  well.  His 
regiment  is  still  encamped  near  Chambly. 

Our  fare,  during  the  winter,  will  probably  consist  of  salt  pork,  and 
beef,  and  crackers.  At  least,  this  is  the  supposition,  as  fresh  meat 
and  vegetables  are  really  very  scarce.  Vegetables  are  not  much 
cultivated  here,  at  least  not  in  such  quantities  as  to  supply  the 
number  of  men,  at  present  in  this  province.  The  many  wars  have 
pulled  heavily  upon  Canada,  though  it  has  never  been  more  pro- 
sperous than  when  under  the  English  rule.  During  the  last  flfteen 
years,  more  than  luilf  of  the  country  has  been  placed  in  a  partial 
state  of  cultivation,  and  the  number  of  the  inhabitants  has  increased 
one-third.  Compared  with  the  age  of  men,  Canada  is  now  a  boy  of 
eleven  or  twelve  years. 

I  must  close,  as  a  messenger  has  just  called  for  this  letter.  The 
ship  is  weighing  anchor,  and  is  about  to  sail. 

Good  bye,  be  happy  and  merry.    My  best  compliments  to  all. 

Ever  Yours, 

August. 


THE  BATTLE  OP  BENNINGTON. 

Brooklyn,  September  27, 1806. 
Wm.  L.  Stone,  Esq. 

My  Dear  Sir:  The  following  narrative  was  communicated  to  me 
in  1838,  by  Mr.  Statford  of  Albany,  the  son  of  an  American  captain, 
who  was  in  tlic  battle  of  Bennington.  I  send  you  herewith  my 
original  notes  of  the  conversation,  taken  down  at  the  time  from  the 
lips  of  the  narrator,  which  you  may  cheerfully  make  use  of  (if  you  so 
desire),  in  your  forthcouung  translation. 

Respectfully  yours, 

TlIEODOKE  DWKJIIT. 


jMy  father  lived  in  the  western  part  of  Massachusetts,  and  wiien 
Colonel  Warner  called  upon  the  militia  to  come  out  and  defend  the 
public  stores  at  Bennington,  he  set  o  '  at  once  with  many  of  his 
neighbors,  and  hurried  his  march.  He  was  well  known  to  his  towns- 
men; and  so  much  esteemed,  that  the  best  men  were  ready  to  go  with 
him ;  many  of  them  pious  people,  long  members  of  the  church,  and 
among  them  young  and  old,  and  of  dilfcrent  conditions. 

When  tiicy  reached  the  ground,  they  found  the  Hessians  posted 
in  a  line;  and  on  a  spot  of  high  ground,  a  small  redoubt  was  seen 


sou 


OFFICIAL  VOVUMESTS  IIKLATING 


formed  of  earth  just  tlirown  up,  wIktc  they  understood  a  body  of 
loyalists  or  provincial  troops,  that  is,  tories,  was  stationed.  Colonel 
Warner  had  command  under  General  Stark ;  and  it  is  generally  thought 
that  he  h;id  more  to  do  than  his  superior  in  the  business  of  the  day. 
He  was  held  in  high  regard  by  the  3Iassachusett8  people ;  and  my 
father  soon  reported  lumself  to  him,  and  told  him  he  awaited  his 
orders,  lie  was  soon  assigned  a  jjlacc  in  the  line,  and  the  tory  fort 
was  pointed  out  as  his  i)articular  object  of  attack. 

^V  hen  making  arrangements  to  march  out  his  men,  my  father 
turned  to  a  tall,  athletic  man,  one  of  the  most  vigorous  of  the  baud, 
and  ratlier  remarkable  for  size  and  strength  among  his  neighbors. 
"  I  am  glad,"  said  he,  "  to  see  you  among  us.  You  did  not  march 
with  the  company ;  but,  I  suppose,  you  are  anxious  for  the  business  of 
the  day  to  begin."  This  was  said  in  tlie  hearing  of  the  rest,  and 
attracted  their  attention.  My  father  was  surprised  and  mortitied,  on 
observing  the  man's  face  turn  pale,  and  his  limbs  trem))le.  With  a 
faltering  voice,  he  replied :  "  Oil  no,  sir,  I  didn't  come  to  light,  I 
only  came  to  drive  b;ick  tiie  liorses!"  "  I  am  glad,"  said  my  father, 
"to  And  out  we  have  a  coward  among  us,  before  we  go  into  battle. 
Stand  liack,  and  do  not  show  yourself  here  any  longer." 

This  occurrence  gave  my  father  great  regret,  and  he  repented  having 
spoken  to  the  man  in  tlie  presence  of  his  company.  The  country 
you  know,  was  at  that  time  in  a  very  critical  state.  General 
Burgoyne  had  come  down  from  Canada  with  an  army,  which  had 
driven  all  the  American  troops  before  it ;  Crown  point  and  Ticonde- 
roga,  tl»e  fortresses  of  Lake  Champlain,  in  which  the  nortliern  peojile 
placed  such  contidence,  hud  been  deserted  at  his  approach ;  and  the 
army  had  disgraced  itself  l)y  a  panic  retreat,  without  lighting  a 
battle,  while  Burgoyne  was  publishing  boastful  and  threatening 
proclamations,  which  frightened  many,  and  induced  some  to  declare 
for  the  king.  Just  at  siicli  a  time,  when  so  many  bad  examples 
were  set,  and  there  were  so  many  dangers  to  drive  others  to  follow, 
it  was  a  s;  d  thing  to  see  a  hale,  hearty,  tall  man  sliakc  and  tremble 
ill  the  presence  of  the  enemy,  as  we  were  just  going  to  tigiit  them. 
However,  an  occurrence  happened,  fortunately,  to  take  place  imme- 
diately after,  which  made  amends.  There  was  an  aged  and  excellent 
old  man  present,  of  a  slender  frame,  stooping  a  little  witli  advanced 
ag(^  and  hard  work,  witii  a  wrinkled  face,  and  well  known  as  one  of 
the  oldest  persons  in  our  town,  and  the  oldest  on  tlie  ground.  My 
father  was  struck  with  regard  for  his  aged  frame,  and,  much  as  he  felt 
niimliers  to  be  desirable  in  tlie  impending  struggle,  he  felt  a  great 
reluctances  at  the  thought  of  leading  him  into  it.    He  therefore  turned 


.J^^^ 


TO  HEN.  niEDESEVS  CAMPAION. 


301 


to  liini,  and  said :  "  The  labors  of  the  day  threaten  to  be  severe,  it  is 
therefore  my  particular  request,  that  you  will  take  your  post  as 
sentinel  yonder,  and  keep  charge  f)f  the  baggage."  The  old  man 
stepped  forward  with  an  unexjjected  spring,  his  face  was  lighted  up 
with  a  smile,  and  pulling  olf  his  hat,  in  the  excitement  of  his  spirit, 
lialf  nffc'ting  the  gayely  of  a  youth,  while  his  loose  hair  shone  as 
whit'  :  silver,  he  briskly  replied:  "Not  till  I've  had  a  shot  at 
them  i...;t,  captain,  if  you  please."  All  thoughts  were  now  directed 
towards  the  enemy's  line;  and  the  company,  partaking  in  the  enthu- 
siasm of  the  old  man,  gave  three  cheers.  My  father  was  set  at  ease 
again  in  a  moment ;  and  orders  being  soon  brought  to  advance,  he 
placed  himself  at  their  head,  and  gave  the  word:  "Forward, 
march ! " 

He  had  oljservi'd  some  irregularity  in  the  ground  before  Ihem, 
which  he  had  thought  might  favor  his  approach ;  and  he  soon  dis- 
covered that  a  small  ravine,  which  they  soon  entered,  would  cover 
his  determined  little  baud  from  the  shot  of  the  enemy,  and  even  from 
their  observation,  at  least  for  some  distance.  lie  pursued  its  course  ; 
but  was  so  far  disappointe  1  in  his  expectations,  that,  instead  of  termi- 
nating at  a  distance  from  the  enemy's  line,  on  emerging  from  it,  and 
looking  about  to  see  where  he  was,  he  found  the  fresh  embankment 
of  the  tory  fort  just  above  him,  and  the  heads  of  the  tories  peijping 
over,  with  their  guns  leveled  at  him.  Turning  to  call  on  his  men,  he 
was  surprised  to  find  himself  flat  on  the  ground  without  knowing  why  ; 
for  the  enemy  had  fired,  and  a  ball  had  gone  through  his  foot  into 
the  ground,  cutting  some  of  the  sinews  just  as  he  was  stepping  on  it, 
so  as  to  bring  liim  down.  At  the  same  time,  the  shock  had  deafened 
liim  to  the  rejMjrt  of  the  muskets. 

The  foremost  of  his  soldiers  ran  up  and  stooped  to  take  him  in  their 
army,  believing  him  to  be  dead  or  mortally  wounded ;  but  he  was 
too  (luiek  for  them,  and  sprang  on  his  feet,  glad  to  find  he  was  not  seri- 
ously hurt,  and  was  able  to  stand.  lie  feared  that  his  fall  might  ciieck 
his  followers ;  and,  as  he  caught  a  glimpse  of  a  man  in  a  red  coal  run- 
ning across  a  distant  field,  he  cried  out,  "  Come  on,  my  l)oys !  They 
run !  They  rim ! "  So  saying,  he  sprang  up,  and  clambering  to  the  top 
of  the  fort,  while  the  enemy  were  hurrying  tlieir  powder  into  the  pans 
and  the  muzzles  of  their  pieces,  his  men  rushed  on  shouting  and  tiring, 
andjumpingover  the  breastwork,  and  pushing  upon  the  defenders 
so  ch)sely,that  they  tln-ew  themselves  over  the  opposite  wall,  and  ran 
down  the  hill  as  fast  as  their  legs  would  carry  them. 

Those  raw  soldiers,  as  most  of  them  were,  were  ready  to  laugh  at 
themselves,  when  they  turnc.-d  round  and  saw  themselves,  their  new 


:}02 


OFFICIAL  DOCUMFyra  IIKLATING 


l)osilioii,  inaHtors  ol'ii  little  fort  which  their  cneinii's  liml  been  hard  at 
work  to  eoiiHtruct,  they  knew  not  iiow  lonti-;  but  out  of  which  they 
had  HO  easily  been  set  a  scampering,  merely  bcci'vusc  they  had  shown 
some  resolution  and  iuiste  in  assaulting  it. 

The  result  of  the  day's  battle  is  well  known.  The  Hessians  and 
other  troops  witii  them,  sutfered  a  total  defeat;  and  not  only  were 
the  stores  at  IJennington  protected  and  saved,  and  the  army  of  Bur- 
goyne  weakened  liy  the  loss  of  a  considerable  body  of  troops,  but  the 
sjjirits  of  the  ))e()ple  greatly  encouraged,  and  the  hope  of  tinal  success 
revived.  From  that  time  there  was  less  dilHculty  found  in  collecting 
troops;  and  the  recruiting  of  our  army  at  Bemis's  Heights,  or  Sara- 
toga, as  it  is  often  called,  was  more  easily  etTected. 

It  so  iiappened  that  nuuiy  years  at\er  the  close  of  the  war,  and 
when  1  had  iieard  my  father  tell  this  story  manj-  times  over,  I 
became  acquainted  with  an  old  townsman  of  his,  who  was  a  loyalist, 
and  took  an  active  part  as  a  soldier  in  the  service  of  King  George  ; 
and  he  told  me  a  story  of  the  l)attle  of  Bennington  which  1  think  you 
would  like  to  hear. 

Stury  told  by  one  who  was  in  the  Tory  Fort. 
I  lived  not  far  from  the  western  borders  of  Massacluisutts  when  the 
war  began,  and  knew  your  father  very  well.  Believing  that  I  owed 
duty  to  my  king,  I  l)ecame  known  as  a  loyalist,  or,  as  they  called  me, 
a  tory  ;  and  so(5u  found  my  situation  rather  unpleasant.  I  therefore 
letl  home,  and  soon  got  among  the  Britisii  troops  who  were  coming 
down  with  Burgoyne,  to  restore  th(!  eounlry  to  peace,  as  I  thought. 
When  the  Hessians  were  sent  to  take  the  military  stores  at  Benning- 
ton, I  w<'nt  witii  them ;  and  took  my  station  with  some  of  the  other 
loyalists  in  a  redoubt  or  small  fort  in  the  line.  AVe  were  all  ready 
when  we  saw  the  rebels  coming  to  attack  us  ;  and  were  on  such  a 
hill  and  behind  such  a  high  bank,  that  we  felt  perfectly  safe,  and 
thought  we  could  kill  any  body  of  troops  they  would  send  against 
us,  before  they  could  reach  the  place  we  stood  upon.  We  had  not 
expected,  however,  that  they  would  approach  us  under  cover;  but 
supposed  we  should  see  them  on  the  way.  AVe  did  not  know  that 
a  little  gully  which  laj-  below  us,  was  long  and  deep  enough  to  con- 
ceal them  ;  but  they  knew  the  ground,  and  the  tlrst  we  saw  of  the 
l)arty  coming  to  attack  us,  they  made  their  ap|)earanee  right  under  our 
guns.  Your  father  was  at  the  head  of  them.  I  was  standing  at  the 
wall  at  the  time,  with  my  gun  loaded  in  my  hand ;  and  several  of  us 
leveled  our  pieces  at  once.  I  took  as  fair  aim  at  them  as  I  ever  did 
at  a  bird  in  my  life,  and  thought  I  was  sure  of  them ;  though  we  had 


I    ctsmff: 


TO  OEN.  lilEDESEL-S  VAMPAION. 


808 


to  point  so  inuch  downwards,  tliat  Itnindc  a  man  but  u  small  mark 
Wc'  fired  toKC'thor,  and  lie  fell.  I  thought  he  was  dead  to  a  certainty ; 
but  to  our  surprise  he  was  on  his  feet  a^ain  in  an  instant,  and  they  all' 
sprang  right  up  the  l)ank  so  that  they  <ii(l  not  give  us  time  lo  load,"and 
camejinnping  into  the  midst  ofiis,  with  such  a  noise,  that  wc  thought  of 
nothing  but  getting  out  of  the  way  of  their  muskets  as  fast  as  ixK-Tsible. 
I  saw  all  my  companions  were  going  over  the  wall  on  the  other  side,  and 
I  went  too.  We  had  oi)en  fields  before  us,  and  scattered  in  all  direc- 
tions, some  followed  by  our  enemies.  I  ran  some  distance  with 
another  nn»n,  and  looking  around  saw  several  of  your  father's  .soldiers 
who  were  coming  after  us,  level  their  muskets  to  fire.  We  had 
Just  reached  a  rail  fence,  and  both  of  us  gave  a  Jump  at  the  sanu; 
instant  to  go  over  it.  While  I  was  in  the  air  I  heard  the  guns  go  olf. 
We  reached  the  ground  together,  but  my  companion  fell  and  lay 
dead  by  the  fence,  wiiile  I  ran  on  with  all  my  might,  finding  I  was 
not  hurt. 

I  looked  back,  hoping  to  see  no  one  following  iiu!;  but  I  was 
frightened  on  discovering  a  tall,  rawboned  fellow,  running  like  a  deer, 
only  a  short  distance  behind,  and  gaining  on  ine  every  step  he  took.' 
I  immediately  refiected  that  my  gun  was  only  a  useless  burthen,  for 
it  was  discharged,  and  had  no  bayonet;  and,  although  a  valuable 
one,  I  thought  my  only  chance  of  saving  my  life,  lay  in  lightening 
my.self  as  much  as  possible.    I  therefore  gave  my  gun  a  throw  otf  to 
one  side,  so  tliat  if  my  i)ursucr  should  choose  to  pick  it  up  he  should 
lose  some  distance  by  it ;  and  then  without  slackening  my  siieed, 
I  turned  my  head  to  see  how  he  took  the  niana-uvre ;  and  found 
he  had  not  only  tiiken  advantage  of  my  hint,  and  thrown  away  his 
own  gun,  but  was  also  just  kicking  off  his  shoes.     I  tried  to  tlirow 
olf  my  own  in  the  same  way,  but  they  were  fastened  on  with  a  i)air 
of  old  fashioned  silver  buckles.    1  strained  myself  to  the  utmost  to 
reach  a  wood  which  lay  a  little  way  before  me,  with  the  desperate  hope 
of  finding  some  way  of  losing  myself  in  il.     I  ventured  one  look 
more;  and  was  frighleneil  almost  out  of  my  senses  at  Hndiiig  the 
bare-legged  fellow  almost  ui)on  me,  and  ready  to  gripe,  and  perhaps 
strangle  me  by  main  force.     I  did  not  like  to  stop  and  give  myself  up 
as  a  prisoner;  for  I  supposed  he  must  be  in  a  terrible  passion,  or  he 
would  not  have  taken  such  e.vtraordinary  pains  to  overtake  me;  and 
even  if  he  should  spare  my  life  and  do  me  no  injury,  in  that  solitary 
spot,  I  did  not  know  what  to  expect  from  the  rebels,  as  we  called 
them.    So  I  ran  on,  though  but  an  instant  more ;  for  I  had  hardly 
turned  my  head  again  before  I  tound  the  appearance  of  a  wood 
which  I  had  seen  was  only  the  tops  of  .some  trees  growing  on  the 


804 


OFFICIAL  IJOCUilENTS  liELAriXO 


bonlrrs  of  Wallunisack  creek,  wliieli  ran  at  the  foot  of  a  frifilitful 
preeipiee,  the  e(lu;c  of  which  1  hud  reached.  I  felt  as  if  it  were  almost 
certain  d(!alh  to  ji;o  farllier;  hut  I  had  such  a  dread  of  my  jiursuer, 
that  I  set  hut  liglitly  hy  my  danger,  and  instead  of  stopping  on  the 
brink,  I  ran  right  off,  without  waiting  even  to  see  wliere  I  was 
going. 

I  fell  like  ii  stone,  and  the  next  instant  struck  on  my  feet  in 
soft  mud,  with  a  loud,  spatting  noise,  which  I  heard  repeated 
close  hy  mo :  Spat !  spat !  for  down  came  the  tierce  fellow  after 
me,  and  struck  close  by  me  in  the  wet  clay,  by  the  edge  of  the 
water.  I  looked  at  him  with  perfect  dismay ;  for  wliat  could  I 
do  thenV  I  had  sunk  into  the  mud  up  to  my  knees,  and  was 
entirely  unarmed.  It  was  some  relief  to  see,  tlint  he  had  no  pistol 
to  shoot  me,  and  was  not  (juite  near  enough  to  reach  me.  He, 
however,  was  beginning  to  struggle  to  get  his  legs  out,  and  I  expected 
to  see  him  free  and  springing  upon  me  in  a  moment  more.  I 
struggled  too,  but  found  it  was  no  easy  work  to  extricate  myself,  and 
began  to  think,  that  it  would  probably  be  as  bad  for  him.  This 
encouraged  me  to  try  with  all  my  might;  and  I  thought  I  found  my 
neighbor  was  much  slower  in  getting  out  than  I  had  feared.  Indeed 
I  could  not  perceive,  for  some  time,  that  either  of  us  made  any 
advances,  although  we  had  wasted  almost  nil  our  remaining  strength. 
I  now  remarked,  that  my  enemy  was  standing  nuich  deeper  in  the 
mud  than  myself  Oh,  thought  I,  the  fellow  was  barefooted ;  that  is 
the  reason  :  the  soles  of  my  slM)es  had  prevented  me  from  sinking  quite 
BO  deep ;  there  is  a  good  chance  of  my  getting  out  before  him. 
Still  neither  of  us  spoke  a  word.  So  I  struggled  again  most  violently; 
but  the  straps  of  my  shoes  were  bound  tight  across  my  ancles,  and 
lield  tliem  to  my  feet,  while  I  felt  that  I  had  not  strength  enough  to 
draw  them  out.  This  made  me  desperate;  and  I  made  another  effort, 
when  the  straps  gave  way,  iuul  I  easily  drew  out  one  bare  foot,  and 
placed  it  on  the  top  of  the  ground.  With  the  greatest  satisfaction 
I  found  the  other  slipping  smoothly  up  through  the  clav;  and, 
without  waiting  to  regret  my  shoe  buckles  (which  were  of  solid 
silver),  or  to  exchange  a  blow  or  a  word  with  my  enemj%  whom  I  was 
still  dreadfully  afraid  of,  I  ran  down  the  shore  of  the  brook,  as  fast  as 
my  legs  could  carry  me. 

A  man,  who  has  never  been  frightened  as  I  was,  with  the  expecta- 
tion of  instant  death,  cannot  easily  imagine  how  far  he  will  run,  or 
how  much  he  can  do,  to  get  out  of  danger.  I  thought  for  some  time, 
that  my  long-legged  enemy  was  coming,  and  ran  on,  afraid  almost 
to  look  behind  me.    I5ut  he  did  not  come;  and  I  never  saw  or  heard 


TO  QSy.  niEDESEL'S  CAMPAIOX. 


805 


• 


of  Ilim  iigain.  How  lie  could  liave  got  out,  I  cnnnot  imagine ;  iind 
tliere  seemed  to  be  no  clinnce  of  lils  finding  help  very  soon,  so  tlmt 
I  tliinlt  lie  must  have  spent  the  night  in  that  uncomfortalile  condi- 
tion, and  may  have  stajed,  for  aught  I  know,  till  he  starved  to  death. 
However,  my  fears  were  not  dispelled;  for  I  knew  our  whole 
detachment  had  been  entirely  routed  :  Germans,  Englishmen,  tories, 
and  all ;  and,  as  I  thought  there  would  lie  a  pursuit  by  our  conquerors, 
I  expected  every  moment  to  meet  some  of  them,  with  arms  in  their 
hands.  Indeed,  at  any  moment  I  might  be  discovered  by  some  of 
them,  and  fired  upon  before  I  coidd  see  them  ;  so  1  chose  the  most 
secret  paths  and  courses  I  could  find,  keeping  among  the  thickest 
trees  and  bushes,  and  avoiding  every  house  and  sign  of  inhabitants, 
under  a  constant  fear  of  being  dead  or  a  prisoner  the  next  moment. 
Who  can  tell  what  I  suffered  in  that  one  day?  I  had  been  delivered 
from  the  imminent  danger  of  musket  balls,  bayonets,  the  close  pursuit 
of  a  rancorous  enemy,  a  leap  from  a  precipice  and  a  long  and  most 
fatiguing  run  through  a  wild  and  unknown  region,  traversed,  as 
I  presumed,  by  many  men  thirsting  for  my  blood.  Night  was  now 
approaching,  and  I  felt  almost  faint  with  the  want  of  food  as  well 
as  weariness.  Hut  I  soon  reached  a  region  which  I  began  to 
recognize  as  one  I  had  before  seen ;  and,  knowing  that  the  house 
of  my  brother-in-law  was  not  far  distant,  I  determined  to  visit  it, 
and  get  such  food  and  clothes  as  I  now  greatly  needed.  On  second 
thoughts  I  concluded  that  I  might  be  in  danger  even  there.  Tliere 
might  be  a  party  of  my  (memies  in  the  neighborhood,  if  not  in 
possession  of  the  house ;  for  in  such  times,  in  a  region  overrun  by 
war,  one  party  often  occupies  a  position  one  day  or  one  hour  wliicli 
they  give  up  to  their  enemies  the  next.  I  therefore  determined  to 
proceed  with  great  caution ;  and,  although  I  soon  came  in  sight  of 
the  house,  and  was  suffering  greatly  from  the  want  of  rest  and 
refreshment,  I  concealed  myself,  and  watched  the  neighborliood  as 
long  as  I  could  see,  and  then,  after  remaining  quiet  till  late  in  the 
night,  stole  out  softly,  and  walked  round  the  house,  listening  care- 
fully, and  scrutinizing  everything,  to  discover  traces  of  any  change 
unfavorable  to  my  wishes. 

Finding  no  sign  of  danger,  I  at  length  mustered  up  courage  and 
entered  the  house,  where  I  found  the  family  had  not  all  retired  to 
rest ;  and  was  very  glad  to  see  my  sister  coming  towards  me  with  an  air 
of  unconcern,  whicli  showed  the  household  had  not  been  disturbed. 
When  she  approached  me,  however,  she  addressed  me  as  a  stranger ; 
and  then,  for  the  first  time,  I  began  to  think  of  my  appearance. 
There  had  been  powder  enough  burnt  in  the  fort  to  blacken  my 


WW 


'.mi 


Off'lClAL  hOVVMKXrs,   KTC 


fiicc  as  (lurk  us  an  Indlan'fl,  untl  the  ptrsplrntion  which  liuil  Htartcd  out 
during  my  nues  Imd  washed  It  partly  otl'  hi  slrcaku,  so  that  \\w 
expression  of  my  coimtcnancc  was  stmngciy  altered.  At  tlic  same 
time  I  was  without  a  coat,  und  my  lew  remaining  garments  were 
torn  by  thorns  and  spattered  willi  mud. 

I  was  treated  with  the  utmost  kindness  by  my  sister  as  soon  as  slie 
recognized  me;  and,  after  enting  u  good  mcul,  and  taking  a  long 
night's  rest,  I  felt  quite  well  and  strong.  Hlie  kept  me  us  long  ns  I 
was  willing  to  stay ;  but  I  did  not  feel  safe  out  of  tlie  army,  wliieli 
then  seemed  sure  of  soon  reaching  Albany  and  finishing  the  war. 
I  soon  set  olf  on  foot,  reached  Burgoyne's  lines,  and  was  placed  in 
tlic  tory  fort  on  tlie  eastern  brow  of  Bemis's  heights.  Tiicre  I 
tliought  myself  safe  once  more.  The  abutis,  formed  of  rougli  trees, 
with  their  branches  on,  which  hud  been  laid  on  the  sides  of  tlie  fort, 
appeared  absolutely  impassable  by  any  body  of  the  i  iiemy.  But  in 
this  I  was  disappointed;  for,  wlien  the  battle  come  on,  the  Yankees 
rushed  upon  our  fortification  witli  impetuosity,  and  in  such  numbers 
tliat  they  soon  covered  tlie  ground  and  trees,  that  they  were  as  thick 
as  the  hair  on  a  dog.  Again  I  was  glad  to  save  myself  by  a  rapid 
retreat. 


END   OF   VOI-.    1. 


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